At first glance the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) seems to be about money and investments-sort of an early primer on capitalistic ventures; but in reality it is about the investment of ourselves and how we are going to express our God-given talents. Although the “talent” was worth about $1000, it was only symbolic of what God has freely given us. Also, our word “talent” that refers to our various giftings from God like innate ability in art and music, a strong intellect, organizational genius, etc., or even acquired abilities in a trade or profession, was derived from this parable (NIV Study Bible, Zondervan). But the greatest gift or “talent” of all is the gift of life and more to the point, human life. We are human beings made in the image of God which makes us unique among all of God’s created beings including the Angels. God has made that very clear indeed in that he has bonded with us through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ for the rest of eternity. A real historic human being is in intimate communion with the Father and with the Holy Spirit and shares equally in their Divinity - God in three persons, blessed Trinity. Don’t you feel like worshiping?
As bearers of God’s image, we are endowed with a great responsibility to become all that we can be in Jesus Christ, the Word who became flesh (John 1:14). We have a choice whether we desire to fulfill our God-given destiny to be God’s sons and daughters and all that this implies or forfeit our glorious future by wasting our talents on selfish pursuits. (See Ephesians 1:14, the most sublime statement of our heritage in Christ Jesus in all scripture). We are called, therefore, to work and pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven because we are already citizens of heaven if we are in Christ Jesus. So what is the key to using all our talents and abilities for the glory of God and the advancement of God’s Kingdom?
Before I answer that question let me say that there are those in the church who put the cart before the horse. They are trying to invest at least some of their talents for Jesus but without having made a full commitment to Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior. They seem to be standing betwixt two worlds and not willing to let go of either one. It has even been said that they have one foot in heaven and one foot in hell. Now that’s a hard place to be. But the challenge is to “Love not the world neither the things in the world” (I John 1:15a). The “world” John is referring to here is all that is opposed to God and His Christ including all its distractions. Instead, we are to love God with all our hearts, soul and strength and love our neighbors as ourselves. (See Matt. 22:36-40). If we do this, if we commit our whole being to God, then we shall have no difficulty using our God-given talents for the Good. We will then hear “Well Done.” (Matt 25:21). And that will be much better than winning an Oscar.
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