Thought for the Day

Matthew 25:14-30 is a parable Jesus told about the Kingdom of Heaven. You are probably familiar with the story, in which a man who was going on a journey entrusted his money to his servants, according to their abilities. When he came back, they came before him to show him how much return there was on his investment. The one who received most made the most (how it usually goes in investing), and it went on down to the servant who didn't receive much, but who was too afraid of the risk to invest. He was so afraid of losing his master's money that he buried it and gave it back to him upon his return. His master called him unprofitable because he didn't put it to use and make something of it. His little bit of money was taken from him and given to the one with the most, and the servant was tossed out into outer darkness.

Reading the story, it's pretty obvious it was dealing with money. However, God gives us other things besides money, and He expects us to use them for His glory and honor. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:17-18. Anything good that we have, any talents or gifts or abilities, were given to us by God.

Did He give us these for our own glory? N-O! Love, or charity, is one of the Fruit of the Spirit, and charity "seeketh not her own" (I Cor. 13:5). Even though money was used in the story in Matthew, the principles apply to anything the Lord has given us. Ever heard the term "Use it or lose it"? Well, there it is. If we don't use what we have to do the Lord's work, by blessing and helping others and bringing glory to the Lord's name, he will do just like the man did in the story and take our gift and give it to someone who will use it. And then, worst of all, He will toss us out of His presence and call us unprofitable.

What are your talents, gifts, or abilities? Can you cook, clean, or sew? Has God blessed you with more money than you need? Do you have compassion for those in need? Are you able to lend an ear and a shoulder to someone who needs a good cry? Let us each assess what we've been given. Dear Lord, please help us to use what You've given us for Your glory and for the furtherance of Your Kingdom. In Jesus Name, Amen!