Good Morning Friends,
Serving the Lord is a lifelong mission, although the nature of the work may change. God only holds us responsible for what we can do. Yet, if we pay attention, he will provide an opportunity to serve every day in some way. Here unproductive dread never glorifies God. That is not to say that bad things do not happen. We all know that they do. But the point is that we need to be about the business of doing those things that can make an impact. We need to be about loving others and spreading joy not perpetuating fear. Still we need to be accountable. So, Are You Leveraging Results With Your Talents?
Scripture: Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you,
1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 (NRSV)
“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Matthew 25:14-30 (NRSV)
Message: The word “talent” in the Bible refers to a small gold coin valued at the equivalent of fifteen years’ national minimum wage. But it has passed into the English language, with some etymological link to this parable, to mean an aptitude, a gift, or giftedness. We speak of a talented musician, a talented speaker, a talented athlete. We all have talents of one sort or another. But perhaps the greatest of these is using our resources, our time and our money and gifts in a way that increases good outcomes for the glory of God, and the advancement of His kingdom. We learn from the Parable of the Talents three facts of life to embrace, three points of reference for navigating our journey in this world. First, life seems unfair. The resources entrusted to one person are never the same and never equal to the resources entrusted to another. Rather than getting caught up in comparisons, we need to focus on investing that which God has entrusted to us. Second, life is just. Each servant is only required to give account for his life investment whether it be five talents, two or one. In the end, God will deal with each of us evenhandedly. Finally, life is an opportunity to increase. As we invest our lives in others and live in obedience to God we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. We become prepared to enjoy the eternity God has prepared for us.
And So, friends, staying busy for the Lord is a lifelong mission, and although the nature of the work changes as we age and our physical and mental abilities change, know that if we pay attention, God will give each of us an opportunity to serve in some way every day. Perhaps it is a smile, an encouraging word offered to spread God’s hope, peace and love in a world that desperately needs a Savior. Perhaps it is some other kind of labor of love, but know this, God will provide you opportunities.
Pray we have an engaging attitude for God that does not waste opportunities. Pray we be mindful of what God has entrusted us. Pray we realize that God only holds us responsible for what we can do. Pray we plant seeds of faith and love and grace and joy that glorify God. Pray we be good servants and good stewards. Pray God makes us perfect in every good work with a divine will that multiplies though Jesus in us. Pray the results of how we spend our time, talent and treasure is well-pleasing to God. Pray we never tire of doing that which is good. Pray we pass on to others the value of hard work that honors God by loving God, loving others and making disciples.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 