We all have talents. They are gifts, strengths, innate skills, and predispositions. They come in all shapes and sizes, just like we do. You probably know what yours are, but chances are good that you envy those possessed by someone else. Some are blessed with more than others. We are also blessed with things other than actual talents – money, friends, family, and opportunities. And some, again, have more than others. All are gifts from God.
Each of us has something. And God expects us to use what we have been given. What are we supposed to do with it? Remember the two primary commandments: Love God with all your heart, mind and soul; and, love your neighbor as yourself. That is what we are supposed to do with what we’ve been given. We should love actively – put our love into action.
What stops us? We tend to use what we have for ourselves. We get into our own way. We are also afraid – afraid of failure, afraid of trying something new, afraid of taking a risk. God gives us according to our abilities. And God wants us to use what we have given. So, we should have confidence when we put our gifts, our money, and our talents into action out of love to serve God’s purposes.
Jesus summed up these lessons in his parable of the talents, which we can find in Matthew Chapter 25, as noted below. Here are 10 takeaways from that parable:
God trusts us.
God gives us gifts, talents, money, and opportunity.
Everybody doesn’t get the same amount.
God expects us to use what we are given for his benefit.
We should have confidence in our abilities.
To whom much is given, much is expected in return.
Something is expected of everyone.
We should not use our talents and gifts for our own benefit.
We shouldn’t question God’s power or reasons.
If we don’t follow these directions, there will be consequences.
What are your gifts? How do you use them? How could you use them differently? How often do you support and encourage others to use their gifts?
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