The parable of the talents

 BY Argie Simonis

This parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, is about taking what the Lord has given us, whether in spiritual gifts or physical abilities, and increasing it. The Κingdom of Heaven is about increase and God is a God of increase.

All these gifts that the Lord gives us are intended to promote His kingdom and not to be kept hidden.

We also see that the Lord deals with his servants according to their own individual gifts and abilities. Servants who multiplied their master's money are praised just the same, even though one had brought in two and a half times as much revenue as the other. Every man's work shall be judged by its kind and not by its size:

"Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." 1Cor. 3:13

When the time comes to stand before the Lord, we will be rewarded according to the potential that the Lord has given us.

The greatest gift that has been given to all of us is the gift of salvation. If all believers could lead at least one person to the Lord, the total number of believers would double. The same is true of the gifts we have, when we use them for His glory.

It is also wrong to compare ourselves with others:

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2Cor. 10:12

The Lord gave different amounts of talents to His servants, but rewarded them equally, even though they did not have the same increase. Paul tells us the same thing in 1 Cor. 12:12-25, when he refers to the different use of the members of the body. There are no more important or less important members. All are equally necessary for the proper functioning of the body.

We also need to remember that no one would be talking about David today if he had not killed the giant Goliath. Anyone who is afraid of failure and doesn't even bother to try, he has already failed. Those who also believe that God is demanding, harsh and difficult to please are like the wicked and lazy servant who chose to bury his talent.

The Lord has called us to make a difference in this world. When we faithfully increase what the Lord entrusts to us, we please Him and there is great reward:

"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 you into the joy of your lord." Matt. 25:23

Amen