Sunday Words of Encouragement August 7, 2011

This morning our Pastor preached on the Parable of the Talents. Matthew 25:14-30.  The master left one servant with five talents, another two and the third servant one talent.  The first two servants increased their talents and were found faithful by the master. The third servant buried the talent thinking to keep it safe because he mistakenly perceived the master as a hard man instead of a diligent man. When he returned the talent with no investment the master considered him a lazy and wicked servant and cast him out.

This parable is often difficult to understand for some people as the distribution of talents and the rewards seems unfair.  Our Pastor did a good job of expounding on the principle that is being taught: in whatever circumstances you are in, be faithful to use your God given talents and not bury them.

The master chooses to whom he will give the talents. God gives dreams and visions to those who can accomplish them. Then He waits to see if we are faithful to do His work. If we are faithful in using what we have then God will bring the increase and entrust more. If we allow insecurities or fear to result in our making no investment with the talent then the talent becomes stagnant; if we don't use it we'll lose it.

But some would question "What if the servant invested the one talent and had a loss?" First, God is the one to bless the endeavor so it is doubtful there would be a lose. Second, God desires faithfulness and commitment, he doesn't require success.

So the question for each of us is: Do we invest our blessings or hide them? The use of the talent may not always be exciting, but it will always be rewarding. Above all God wants us to be willing to use our talent (or talents) for His Glory.

I was seeking a video for an old chorus: I am willing. 

Instead I found this newer song:  Here I Am (send me.)
The words seem to match the message today.

A Verse for Today:

Matthew 25:23

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

I pray for myself that I will always be willing to at least try to use the talent(s) God has blessed me with.