Scripture

“To those who use well what they are given even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”

Observation

The kingdom of heaven is like a man going on a long trip. He gives five bags of silver to one servant, three to another, and just one bag of silver to another. The first two servants work hard and invest the master’s money to double it. The third servant buries the master’s money in the ground.

The master returns, and the first two servants present him with his money which they have doubled. The third servant returns the original amount of money to the master.

The master commends the two servants and gives them more responsibility. The money is taken from the hapless third servant and given to the first one. The third servant is cast out of the household.

Application

We are used to seeing this parable in terms of our gifts and talents. But really it applies to every part of our lives- our time, money, abilities, opportunities, and so on.

Our whole life is to be dedicated to the Lord. Everything we have comes from Him, and belongs to Him.

Like the servant in the story, we do not own what has been given to us. We are managers on God’s behalf.

The issue is not whether I have a lot to offer to God. It is all about my desire to honour Him with what I do have.

Prayer

Lord, with you in the first place, there is no second place. Everything is subject to you. May my choices and my desires glorify your name. Amen.