(The following is the February 2 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Matthew 25 and pay close attention to verses 14-30.)
From an investment standpoint, Jesus’ parable of the talents is easy to understand. We can make money work for us by earning interest on deposits or investing in ways that yield positive returns. That’s good stewardship and preferred over hiding money where it has no chance to grow. With inflation, hidden funds shrink in value over time.
The owner in the parable entrusted various amounts to three servants, from five talents for the first servant to two for the second servant and one for the third. The owner gave each a significant amount since one talent was equal to twenty years of wages for a common laborer. The owner distributed the talents according to each person’s ability (v. 15).
When the owner returned, he rewarded the first two servants because they acted wisely and doubled their investments. The third servant hid his talent in the ground and returned it to the owner, angering the owner, who called him an evil, lazy servant (v. 26). The owner severely punished that servant and took what he had.
Besides the obvious financial application, the parable applies to other contexts. One is the need to wisely use spiritual gifts (another kind of talent) the Lord gives us. Christ’s children eager to serve him can find at least one personal passion and ability God can use for his glory. Likewise, the parable relates to how we handle the gospel. We are not to only receive God’s grace but be his ambassadors – disciples who make disciples who make disciples.
What are you doing with the talents God has given you?
Next Step:
Do you know and use your spiritual gifts regularly for God’s glory and his church? Read Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. Ask Christian friends and leaders what spiritual gifts they associate with you. If you are unsure of your gifts, search for “spiritual gift inventory” online, choose one, and answer its questions.
