A Truckload of Talents
Over the next week, the Mars Hill Blog will feature material from the recent Financial Training Day.
My introductory session at the Financial Training Day focused on Jesus’ Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14–30). This passage is an incredibly timely word for the church as we’ve been given a truckload of talents to steward. Here are a few key phrases that were particularly impressed upon my heart:
"his servants" (v.14) – Jesus’ example of self-sacrificial service is completely countercultural. We desire to follow this example and serve Jesus, not because he needs us or to earn our salvation, but because his grace and love changes our hearts. Do you serve Jesus in his grace and example, or do you serve him as a form of works-righteousness?
"entrusted to them" (v. 14) – Everything belongs to Jesus, the King of the Universe. He has entrusted to each of us many hours to live, many gifts to employ, and many dollars to spend. We mustn’t forget this, taking credit for our accomplishments where credit is not due. At the same time, we mustn’t be slothful with all that we’ve been entrusted.
"each according to his ability" (v. 15) – To a certain extent, your faithfulness and ability affect what you have and what you do not have. This isn’t prosperity theology (which draws a direct correlation between righteousness and wealth), but a connection often exists between what we are entrusted with and our stewardship thereof. As we’re faithful with a little, we’re entrusted with more. God-given ability comes with God-given responsibility.
"went at once" (v. 16) – The urgency in which the five- and two-talent servants perform their work is convicting. They don’t sit around waiting—they go, and they go quickly. The responsibility to steward weighs heavy on them, and they respond in faith with immediate action.
"so I was afraid" (v. 25) – In stark contrast, the servant with one talent responds in fear. He digs a hole, buries his talent, and watches the pile of dirt do nothing. We all dig holes of our own, they just look a little different. More on this in my next post.
Photo credit: Nandu Chitnis (Flickr)
"each according to his ability" (v. 15) – To a certain extent, your faithfulness and ability affect what you have and what you do not have. This isn’t prosperity theology (which draws a direct correlation between righteousness and wealth), but a connection often exists between what we are entrusted with and our stewardship thereof. As we’re faithful with a little, we’re entrusted with more. God-given ability comes with God-given responsibility.
"went at once" (v. 16) – The urgency in which the five- and two-talent servants perform their work is convicting. They don’t sit around waiting—they go, and they go quickly. The responsibility to steward weighs heavy on them, and they respond in faith with immediate action.
"so I was afraid" (v. 25) – In stark contrast, the servant with one talent responds in fear. He digs a hole, buries his talent, and watches the pile of dirt do nothing. We all dig holes of our own, they just look a little different. More on this in my next post.
Photo credit: Nandu Chitnis (Flickr)