He was a young man with commendable ability. Haven been known well by his master, he was given the resources he could manage. But that's not the end of the story. He took certain steps which ended his story and journey pitiably. His end is a reminder to us today that whatever resources we have should be used to serve God and humanity.
This shocking story is found in Matthew 25:14-28. 'For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants and delivered unto them his goods.
And to one he gave five talents, to another tow, and to another one: to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth and hid his lord's money.
And when his master came to demand accountability what happened?
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo there thou hast that is thine.
His lord answered and said unto him, thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury'.
Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents'.
From this story, the following becomes evident for our consideration:
1. Everyone Has Been Given A Talent Or Gift: God is a generous giver. He has given each person gifts and talents according to his ability. There is therefore no premise to give excuse that we have nothing. You have something. The money in your hand is a gift from God. He is the one that gives power to get wealth. Use that money to enlarge the kingdom of God on earth. The preaching power you have is a gift from God. Use it to convert souls for Christ. Are you a teacher or pastor? Know for sure that it is a gift from God. Start using it. As you use it, fruits shall be yielded for your promotion.
2. The Lord Shall Come Again: Whether you use your talents, gifts or not, the master shall come again. Make no mistake about it. Christ shall come again. The gifts he has given you is expected to yield fruit. May be the servant with one talent thought the master will not show up again. The story showed that he missed it! The master returned. Whatever the world may say, Jesus is coming back again. Are you ready for him?
3. Accountability Shall Be Demanded By The Giver: God is the giver of every good gift. The gift he has given you shall be accounted for. What would you tell him when you are required to give account of your own stewardship? How many souls will you say you have won? How many believers would you say you have raised in the kingdom? How many poor would you say you have helped? How many lost sheep would you say you have found? Think deeply about this. You shall give account of your pilgrimage.
4. Fear Is Satan's Weapon To Weaken And Mislead You: That servant feared and hid his own talents. Fear is false evidence appearing real. Replace fear with faith in your heart. This will propel you to take action on using your talents for God. That man was put in bondage by fear. He ended up in hell. The fearful shall end up in hell!
Are you going to waste your own talent too? Or do you want your gift to be given to another man? God forbid! Learn from this shocking story of our foolish 'brother'. Be wise and take the steps of the wise. Make use of what you have. Develop your gift. Hone your skills. This is the way to receiving commendation when the master shall return. It is well with you.
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