Sunday 15 November 2020

Talents? What talents?

 

"... ... ... 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. 

... ... ... 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, ... ... ... And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ' see, I have made two more talents.' ... ... ... Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, 'I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' " (Matthew 25:14-30).

I am sure you know the story well. A rich man gives three sums of money to his slaves, and when he returns from his travels he discovers that two have increased the sum given to them, whereas the other has just buried his coin (talent) and returned it intact with no interest.

So what is Jesus saying here? It is OK to make money, as much as you possibly can according to your capabilities? Don't just sit on what you have and not make your money work?

God is not against people being rich. There is nothing wrong with being rich as long as we achieve it honestly and without cheating or stealing. 

In another parable, (the rich man and poor Lazarus at his gate - Luke 16:19–31), Jesus does not condemn being rich, as many people have misunderstood. Jesus condemns the rich man for not even noticing the poor man at his doorstep.

So what is Jesus teaching in the parable of the slaves and the talents given them?

Could He perhaps be talking about something more than just material riches?

Is He maybe reminding us that there will always be someone worse off than us? Someone who is poor in material things, someone poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in education or even poor in Faith. This may be miss-interpreting Him perhaps but still worth considering.

We all have a responsibility towards those in poverty in one way or another. No matter how their poverty manifests itself.

We should always readily recognize our blessings and share them with those less well off than us.

If we are fortunate to be financially rich, we should give to those who have not.

If we are in good health, we should help those who are sick. Visit them at home or in hospital, and give a hand when needed.

If we are clever or intelligent we should be more tolerant towards those not as bright as us and help educate them where we can.

And if our Faith is strong, we should help and pray for those who falter and fail in their walk with the Lord.

We’ve all been given some talent or other and we should use them for the benefit of others.

Perhaps one way of doing so is by proclaiming our Faith in God. Be God's ambassadors and representatives on earth. We may not all be good at standing at street corners, or knocking at doors, or writing books or blogs. But by just living the Christian life we are using our God given talents for His glory. 

Another way of using our talents is to be active in our church or community. The church always needs volunteers for many jobs. Playing music or singing in the choir perhaps. Doing some sort of administration or secretarial work. Editing and printing the newsletter. Cleaning the church. Ordering supplies. Visiting the sick and the elderly, or helping run a soup kitchen for the down and out. And so on.

We have a responsibility to use our talents to the best of our abilities. And with this responsibility comes a greater and more onerous one. That is to answer to Him when He asks us, “And what have you done with the riches I gave you?”

27 comments:

  1. You're right on, Victor. If ever we needed to offer what we have to others it'd be right about now.

    Thanks for the reminder that our gifts and opportunities are many.

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    1. Yes, indeed we have much to offer in thanksgiving.

      God bless, Linda.

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  2. thank you for reminding me of what i have known my whole life but tend to forget.

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  3. Hi Victor, I believe it is good to help others financially, especially in these times when many are losing their jobs. I also believe this parable is speaking of spiritual riches, and that silver and gold can also represent wisdom and knowledge in Jesus.

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  4. "No matter HOW their poverty manifests itself." Once again, your words have enriched my heart and mind. Thank you, my friend.

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    1. You are so kind to me, Mevely. Thank you so much.

      God bless you always.

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  5. You are absolutely right, the world is in serious needs these days.

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    1. Yes, Bill. And only we can respond to this need.

      God bless you, Bill.

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  6. Thanks for the reminders.

    In the sermon I heard last night the priest had another take on the reading. He talked about how the third slave didn't take any action because of his fear, then proceeded to outline some steps to take when fear enters our life. It was just what I needed to hear.

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    1. You are right, Kathy. Fear can grip us all and hinder our relationship with God.

      Here's what I wrote about it:
      https://timeforreflections.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-fear-that-grips-us-all.html

      God bless.

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  7. Yoursuggestions are worth consideration indeed.

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  8. A good lesson for all. We should use the talents that God as given us to help others, whatever they may be.

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  9. Yes, Victor, God has bestowed each of us with unique talents we can use to further His kingdom here on earth. He expects us to use these well and wisely in order to touch hearts for Jesus.
    Blessings!

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    1. The thing is, Martha, not many people recognise the talents that they have got.

      God bless always.

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  10. Interesting that the word talent in this meant a form of currency. In our times our talents are also a form of currency. We can use them to do goid things...or bad.

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    1. Sadly, a lot of people use their talents to further their greed, Sandi. That's the modern world.

      God bless you. Nice to see you visiting here again.

      Delete
  11. ...and I don't think that you should hide your light under a bushel basket.

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    1. That is also true, Tom. Putting a lit candle under a basket risks setting the house on fire.

      Keep smiling my friend. God bless you.

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  12. Dearest Victor,
    Yes, all of us will have to answer that final question when we go HOME; and IF SO. The only problem we have had is lack of time for doing it all... Life is pushing us forward so fast and at times it feels like wasting time by trying to get others on our bandwagon. But at least we tried!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. At least we tried ... We should all try, as best we can, to use our talents to the glory of God.

      God bless, Mariette.

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  13. As our Pastor Jim says, "The more you give, the more you get, as long as you aren't just giving to get!"

    Every story Jesus told has so many layers of meaning, i think we will never come to the end of them.

    It's time for me to re-evaluate if i am using my talents, or just burying them.

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  14. Your last sentence says it all, Mimi. Are we using our talents or burying them? Excellent point.

    God bless you.

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I PRAY FOR ALL WHO COMMENT HERE.

God bless you.