You are gifted. There is no question about it. God has gifted you with abilities, opportunities, life experiences, resources, and relationships. The question is, what are you doing with your gifts? Perhaps an even more important question is why?
In this week’s reading (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents. Three slaves/bondservants are entrusted with responsibilities in proportion to their capabilities. The first two are deemed “good and faithful” based on their stewardship of what has been entrusted to them. The third one, however, is identified as “wicked” and “lazy” (aren’t you glad you are not preaching this text!). The word “wicked” is translated from the Greek poneros, which can mean toilsome, burdened, base, or slothful. One translator suggested that it is more akin to a “good-for-nothing” rather than an actively evil or malicious person.
But I wonder if Matthew is getting at something that includes, but is much larger than the character of the servants. How did the third servant view God? What about his view of God caused him to play it safe?
How did the first two view God? Would you be incentivized by the reward they received? After proving themselves responsible, the “master” “gave” them additional responsibility. In fact, the one who is most responsible becomes responsible for what was once the responsibility of the good-for-nothing. Are we missing something?
Above all, the parable of the talents is about the Kingdom of God and how grace is operative in you and me (or not!). So let us return to the original questions:
What are you doing with the gifts God has given you? And more importantly, why?
Watch the clip below from the classic book and movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Does the scene shed light on what the parable is intended to teach us? Why or why not?
This is good stuff. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
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