Christian Talents 1: Diligence And Strength

Text: Matthew 25: 13-30

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Source

Christ had earlier told his disciples, when on the Mount of Olives "Keep watch for you do not know on what day your Lord may come" (Matt.24:42). Then in today's text, in verse 13, he reminds them of this again and then goes on to indicate to them what it means to "watch". The time is to be spent not just in idle waiting but rather in diligent service. In the parable, those servants who were given the talents of money are representative of Christ‘ 5 followers, including Christian's today.

It is clear from the reading that not all are given the sameamount in terms of talents, but that whatever one has is to be put to the Masters use. All have been bought at an infinite price, and we may be rightly said to be the Lord‘s property. All are called to use their talents and themanner in which this has been met, will be called to account by God Himself, in the final Judgement.

We also see in the parable, that the Master committed or entrusted to them "his goods" (some versions say “his property") (v14). That is to say, he committed to them, that which was his, in order that it be put to use. Each of us has a role to play in God‘s eternal plans and just as there is a special place prepared for us in heaven, so too is there a special work designated for us here on earth.

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Source

The talents that we have, however few are to be put to use. The question that the Christian should be concerned with is not “How much have I received"? But rather, “What can I do with that which I have"? We should be cultivating and using every faculty in order to achieve the greatest amount of good. This, however, is no easy matter.

Jesus, when on earth, gave us an example of what sort of spirit should be brought into our work. The application of the Christian‘s talents will not happen by accident, but will require stern battles with the self-will. We shall have to criticize ourselves and work to correct our unfavourable traits on a daily basis. We must not allow ourselves to be hindered in this, and it will require determination in all circumstances. But can we disappoint him who has loved us so much that He has died in order to cancel our sins?

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The Holy Spirit will help us when we engage with His work. Whatever we may seek to do, in accordance with the Lord's commands, can be accomplished in His strength. When we make mistakes, if we can see them as beacons of warning, then we may learn from them. Remember that Christ is at hand to help, and we must remain in Him, if we are to succeed.