The Theology of Work (TOW) Bible Commentary* reviews the “Parable of the Talents” found in Matthew 25:14-30. The commentary on the well-known parable (a short and simple story that teaches a moral, spiritual or religious lesson) spoke to my heart as I view Christian service or work for the Lord. A redacted (shortened) portion of the commentary reads as such:
One of Jesus’ most significant parables regarding work is set in the context of investments (Matt. 25:14-30). A rich man delegates the management of his wealth to his servants. He gives five talents (a large unit of money) to the first servant, two talents to the second, and one talent to the third. Two of the servants earn 100 percent returns, but the third servant hides the money in the ground and earns nothing. The rich man returns, rewards the two who made money, but severely punishes the servant who did nothing.
Let’s examine the theme, “Burying Talents Loses Them”
Theme: “Burying Talents Loses Them”
Read Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV)
Reflection:
The meaning of the parable extends far beyond financial investments. God has given each person a wide variety of natural talents and spiritual gifts, and he expects each person to employ them in His service. It is not acceptable merely to put those natural talents and spiritual gifts on a closet shelf and ignore them (i.e. bury them). Much like the three servants, we do not have talents and gifts of the same degree. But, the Lord expects us to nurture and use, for His service, the talents and gifts we have been given.
It is understood that the servant who received one talent was not condemned for failing to reach the five-talent goal; he was condemned because he did nothing with what he was given. What you have been given from the Lord to be used in His service includes spiritual graces, skills, abilities, family connections, social positions, education, experiences, and more.
The point of the parable is that we are to use whatever we have been freely given and have freely received for the Lord’s purposes. The severe consequences to the unproductive servant, far beyond anything triggered by mere business mediocrity, tell us that we are to invest our natural talents, spiritual gifts, and ultimately our lives in the Lord’s service, not waste (bury) them.
You may ask, “How can we use the Matthew 25:14-30 scripture and commentary in practical ways?”
The answer is the Lord has given you at least one natural talent and/or spiritual gift. He has given and entrusted to you something that is of great value to Him. It is meant to be received and invested to glorify the Lord and edify (build up) the Church. The natural talent or spiritual gift might be spiritual graces; or might be teaching, singing, preaching, ushering, or service to some other need.
It must be understood that when you refuse to invest your natural talent or spiritual gift, you are actually burying it. This demonstrates an attitude of in-gratitude, selfishness, and ultimately a resentment of the Lord’s authority. There is no way to know how many lives could have been won for Christ if only you had nurtured your talent or gift and invested it in service to the Lord.
But, what can be known for certain is that as the scripture states in verses 29 and 30 that those that have invested in service to the Lord will be given more. Those that have buried what was given and received from the Lord will lose all. They will lose what was initially given and received, and what would be given in the future to include even their eternal life. So, if you have refused to use your natural talent or spiritual gift for the Lord; No Excuses! Be Warned!
Amen!
Ref:
*http://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/matthew/living-in-the-new-kingdom-matthew-18-25/the-parable-of-the-talents-matthew-2514-30/
“Proclaim the Christ” blog is sponsored by NACEM. Contact: epearson@sjbcministry.org to learn more about NACEM or make a tax-deductible donation to edify the kingdom of God and nurture the spreading and understanding of the Word of God.
Proclaim The Christ 