Well done, good and faithful servant! Matthew 25:21

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25: 14-30

A lobster, when left high and dry among the rocks, doesn’t have sense and energy enough to work his way back to the sea, but waits for the sea to come to him. If it doesn’t come, he remains where he is and dies, although the slightest exertion would have have enabled him to reach the waves, which are perhaps tossing and tumbling within a yard of him.

There is likewise a tide in human affairs that casts people into tight places, and leaves them there like stranded lobsters. If they choose to lie where the breakers have thrown them, expecting some great billow to take them on its big shoulders and carry them to smooth water, the chances are that their hopes will never be realized.

In today’s passage God calls us to faithfully use our talents for Him, and He warns those who do not use the talents He has given them. Now consider what God is saying specifically to you in this parable that Jesus told.

What talents has God given you? Too often we think of talents as fully developed abilities, but it is only as we cultivate our talents that they become mature. Furthermore, we must be willing to take the risk of using our talents. When we do, we then find out how far God can take us. Many times people will give you indications of what your talents are: “You’re a good teacher, you write such comforting notes; when I’m in trouble you’re always there; you singing really lifts me up!” Listen to what people are encouraging you about, since this could be God’s way of telling you of that special gift He has given to you.

Let’s look at today’s Scripture. In this parable the first two servants were willing to take a risk. Not only did they receive 100 percent return for their efforts, but their master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21-22). Note that despite their different talents and abilities the first two servants received the same reward, indicating that God requires us to be faithful in the use of our abilities, whatever they are.

If you want to be successful in God’s eyes, you must first be faithful with a few things. Then God will put you in charge of many things. Do you think no one could be blessed by your talent? This passage tells you to take the risk. Volunteer for that position, write that book, sign up for that class, offer to help with that project. Listen to God today as He calls you to the life of adventure that comes with using the gifts He has given you. Don’t limit God.

Now let’s look at the warning to those of us who don’t use our talents. The third servant was afraid. Unwilling to take a risk with his one talent, he went and buried it in the ground. Are you burying your talents? God will hold you responsible for what you do with your talents, with your life. This third servant is condemned for his slothfulness and indifference.

God wants you to take the risk of using the talents He has given you, even if they don’t seem like much to you. Take the first step today and you’ll be amazed at what God can do with ordinary people. And you’ll also be blessed when one day you stand before God and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”