The Boss’s Story
Jesus told this story (my paraphrase): The Boss had to make a business trip. He called the heads of departments to his office to give instructions. He gave five talents to Manager One, two talents to Manager Two and one talent to Manager Three.
The first two managers invested their funds and doubled them. The last one thought he would just hide it in a safe at home.
When the Boss returned, he asked for an account of the talents he’d entrusted to his managers. The first two had doubled their investments. The Boss praised them and gave them promotions. The last one brought his talent and when the Boss asked why he hadn’t invested like the others, Manager Three insulted the Boss. Not too smart. Any number of reasons could account for it. Some people feel ill-used no matter what.
That did not go well for Manager Three. The Boss fired him and gave his talent to Manager One.
Read the whole story in the Gospel of Matthew vs 14-30.
Our Talents
We don’t usually think of talents in terms of money these days.
At a writers’ conference I recently attended, we talked about not hiding our talents. Some of us may feel inferior to others, but God has given us all talents to use for His Kingdom. We must sharpen and refine our talents. Search out the ways we can develop what we are given.
Because what we are given is needed by someone else. Are you a gardener? How can you share what you produce? Someone may be hungry. Someone may need the good cheer that flowers bring. Are you a painter? Perhaps someone’s house needs a refreshment. Or someone needs to see your paintings or photos to lift their spirits. Have you been given a word to share? Someone needs to read or hear it. How about practical gifts like financial advice, or fixing cars?
Whatever are your talents, invest them.
When we create, we are acting in the Image of God. Others need what we create.
The Boss will not be pleased if we hide our talents. Put them out there!
God’s Gifts, Our Gifts
Every perfect gift comes down to us from the Father of Lights above. He has determined the gifts and talents for each of us when He fashioned us from our mothers’ wombs. He has plans for us to use those skills. And it disappoints Him when we don’t. (Sort of like having your child give back his birthday present because he doesn’t feel good enough to accept it!)
How satisfying it is when we do share. The warm fuzzies stay around our hearts when someone has benefitted from something we have given, communicated, imparted. And we dance our way home.
God gave our gifts, talents and skills to us to share. And all our lives are enhanced.
God is pleased.
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23).
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