Occasionally, I have an experience with God that reminds me of His greatness and my lowliness. Once such event happened on a Sunday morning when John Bevere was speaking at our church. He was highlighting Matthew 25:14-30. It’s a parable that Jesus uses to illustrate the kingdom of heaven here on earth. I’d include the passage here but it is lengthy and full of goodness so please go read it for yourself.
That day I asked myself, “What have I done to multiply the things that God has entrusted to my care? It is a question that I continue to wrestle with even now. Here are a few things I’ve learned by keeping this question in my thoughts and pondering it occasionally.
1, I find my worth and identity in the person God says I am and not in my talent. Through the atonement of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, I am made a child of God because I believe Jesus is my savior. The “talent” is the thing he’s entrusted me with, not what makes me who I am.
My father, William, was a prime example in my life of a person who thought his value came from his work. He was devastated when he was suddenly dismissed from a business he had financially invested in and hoped to purchase from the owner. My dad had given at least 10 years of his life to growing what he thought was a great business opportunity. He went into a deep depression for several years because he couldn’t see his worth outside of his work
2. God created us to have a relationship with Him but he has given us free will to choose that relationship. In the parable the master gave specific amount of talents to his servants. As I pondered that question again of what I have done to multiply the talents, I must consider the talents that are presently in my hand. Are they the people in my life, a job, possessions that I need to steward? How do I invest this talent and cause it to grow?
For example, God has entrusted my three daughters to my care. I started to think about raising them with the end in mind. What kind of adults would I love to see them become? This started a journey of growth with intention toward that goal. However, it is just that, a journey and not a perfect road. Sometimes I miss the mark, sometimes I must make sacrifices, but I focus on the prize of seeing my daughters functioning as healthy, skilled adults that contribute to society.
3, Each day I choose how I will live. When I get busy with intention to multiply a talent given to me, God often brings an outcome that is beyond my expectations. Being a steward of what’s in my hand is not just for me or the here and now. My choices have an impact on generations to come. How I’ve mothered my daughters will have an impact on the children they are blessed with someday.
When I stand before God, I will have to account for my stewardship of the talents He entrusted to me. My heart’s desire is to hear those words Jesus used in Matthew 25:21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” (NLT). The master has not returned yet, so I have every opportunity today to help something live and grow. I choose Life