Parable of the Talents
Nov 30th, 2009 by Laurie Neumann
I want to talk a little bit about the Parable of the Talents today for our Bible verse.
The Parable of the Talents can be found in Matthew 25:14-30. It’s a little long, so I won’t write it all out here, but you can read it for yourself. In summary, a man who is going to travel left his goods with his servants. To one servant, he gave 5 talents, to another 2, and to another, 1. The number of talents he gave was according to each servant’s ability. (v.15)
The servant who had received five talents gained another five; the servant who had been given two talents gained another two. However, the servant who received only one talent hid it so he could return it to his master.
What was the outcome? The servants who gained an additional five and two talents were rewarded with even more. They did not hide their talents ; they used them to gain more.
The servant who hid his one talent had it taken away from him and given to the servant who had the most (ten talents at this point.)
How can we relate the Parable of the Talents to our businesses? I think we need to look at if we are using the gifts and abilities God has given us. He has entrusted to us certain skills and giftings. If we “hide” them or let them lie dormant, do you think this pleases God? This applies to all areas of our lives, but today, I wanted to relate it to our work or business.
I think by using our gifts and abilities, it demonstrates our faithfulness to use what we have been given. I understand that sometimes we just need to do something to earn income and take care of our families, etc. This is not what I am talking about. But I do think, as much as possible, it is important to use our giftings and talents.
As we use our gifts and talents, I believe God will bless us and help us to expand them. He will add to them or refine them (v.29) But we need to be using them for Him to do this.
I think it is good from time to time, to take a look and determine if we are using what we have been given in a way that brings glory and honor to God.
I always try to help people find a business that really “fits” who they are, and will incorporate their interests and strengths. Why? Because I believe that is what is going to give them purpose and will allow them to stick with it, even if it has its challenges.
What about you? Do you feel you are using the talents God has given to you? Please share with us!
For more Biblical insight into running a business that honors God, go to Christian Business Ethics.
That is great advice especially if you are looking to start a business. If you do something that utilizes the gifts God gave you, you will have a much better chance of succeeding and enjoying it.
Laurie,
It took me quite a while to really identify my gifts and talents, but I think God has finally used my journey to help me recognize them. I think many times we bury our talents like the man in the parable, but we think we are being humble. We downplay our gifts rather than let others know we are great at something. If you are good at something, let it shine and give God the glory!
Brad
Brad,
I think you’re right. I know we can feel that is what we are supposed to do – downplay our gifts so we don’t seem prideful. But, as long as we give the honor and glory to God for those gifts, we should let them shine! Afterall, God them to us to use them.
I do my best to help our contributors use their God giving talents as to contribute to our mission and vision. I always let everyone know that they are all important and needed in our organization and each of them have a gift to share.
NO ONE is special because EVERY ONE is Special. God has given us a place in this World to do his work, we just have to start sharing it; sing our song. I agree with what you are saying and it holds so true to success in a home based business. We are currently a team of 100% Christians, however everyone is welcome to join us in feeding the starving children. I myself am a IT Administrator, I know a few things about computers and how to use them and I have given my gift to our cause… not everyone is a computer wizard and not everyone has to be; each person in our organization has a gift
I can never be as good at, however when they bring their gift “to the table” the children get fed and everyone succeeds!
God ways are so wonderful, we just have to know his ways before we can follow them. Keep reading the Bible, keep praying and keep letting God’s word help you find your way to success. Thanks for your website and your Wonderful Blog site. God Bless