May 25, 2011

Being Faithful is What Counts

In the Book of Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus talked about the parable of the talents. It is a great parable of learning to be one faithful servant, applicable to every believer and follower of Christ. Lets dig into and derive from the parable.

The parable talks about a master was going away on a journey, thus, entrusting his property to three of his servants. He called them and distributed his wealth among the three servants, apportioned to them according to their abilities. To the first he entrusted five talents, the second with two, and to the third with one talent. While the first and second servants eagerly invested the entrusted talents, wanting so much to multiply and please their master, the third chose to hide the only talent in the ground fearful of his wrong investment. When the master returned, the first two received their rewards, praises and most importantly, increased responsibilities while the third was rebuked for his laziness. The only talent that he had was taken away.

God knows our ability and capability, even in handling His Kingdom purposes. God knows how much we can do and our capacity. He crafted us and installed different talents in us. Everyone should have at least a talent, born that way or pick up along the way. Perhaps some of us have been focusing so much on the distinctive talents or talents that put us on top of the world. Yes there are people with outstanding talents, being the few odd ones out there. But God is more interested in the talents He has installed in us to serve Him and for the purpose of His Kingdom. Talent, is not about being uniquely outstanding and be the best of all, but fully utilizing God installment to serve the Giver to the max. Some people are born with heart-warming, soul-lifting smile, their one smile can usher people into the Kingdom of God. Some are gifted in music, writing lyrics and singing songs that bring people into the presence of God, reaching breakthroughs and encounters with God. Some are gifted in administration, being detailed with their paper works and management. Some are gifted in communication, being able to communicate effectively and productively. Some are gifted in leadership, being able to grab the attention and gather followers. There are millions of talents out there for us to search within ourselves, but the question is, are we using them for the glory of God?

God doesn't need us but He wants us. The parable of the talents clearly remind us that God is seeking after faithful hearts and not the talented ones. For what counts is the heart. There are many who are gifted so abundantly that everyone has green eyes on them, yet they are unwilling to unleash their potential. Jesus said those who have will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.

Unfaithful service led to condemnation, the removal of one's stewardship, and an eternity of weeping and gnashing of teeth in outer darkness, away from the presence of God. This parable brings an eternal significance, not just about being faithful in serving God and good stewardship over our given talents.

Never think that we are so special that God will treasure us anyhow. Moses's responsibility and privilege was handed over to someone else. Don't think that as God has appointed me to do this, no one else can do it. The truth is that, we are not irreplaceable. If we think that we are irreplaceable, we are being pompous that God's plan is solely depending on us. We are defiling God! As the parable says, God can simply find someone else to do it. He will increase those who are willing and faithful to serve.

Be mindful that whatever kind of position we are holding today, if we are not attending to it faithfully, God can just rip us off. There are many out there eager to serve God, and they are watching us.

It is not about the size and number of talents we are given, but the core of God's heart is to search for those who are faithful even with the little they have.


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