[Jesus continued his story about the servants entrusted with different amounts of money while the master was on a trip. Concerning the servant who just hid the money, Jesus said:] "Then he [the master] ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 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. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
—Matthew 25:28-30 NLT
While there are many talents the Lord may give us, the point of this parable is as much about our view of God and what he has given us as it is about using our talents. You see, if we are willing to take what God has given us and boldly use it, holding nothing "close to the vest," and offer it up to his glory, then he will increase our efforts. On the other hand, if we are so worried about how demanding and ruthless our master is that we don't use whatever we have, then what we have will be taken away. But it won't just be taken away. It will be taken from us, and we will be punished based upon our neurotic fear of God (versus a reverential respect) and what we have will be given to someone who is willing to boldly use it to bring honor and glory to God. Using whatever we have to glorify God is not a reckless faith, but a bold, grace-inspired, adventurous yearning to do great things with the gifts God has given us. To that kind of grace-emboldened heart, God gives more grace because he knows he has found a person who will share it boldly with others, just as he has shared it with us!
O Lord, forgive me for being so uninspired by the gifts you have given to me and the blessings you have entrusted me to use for your glory. I confess that there have been times when I have hoarded what you have poured out so richly upon me, fearing that I might not use it acceptably when all you were wanting me to do was to use it generously. Give me a bolder heart to use the things you have blessed me with to bring you glory. In Jesus' name, I boldly pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 25:28-30 NLT
Key Thought
While there are many talents the Lord may give us, the point of this parable is as much about our view of God and what he has given us as it is about using our talents. You see, if we are willing to take what God has given us and boldly use it, holding nothing "close to the vest," and offer it up to his glory, then he will increase our efforts. On the other hand, if we are so worried about how demanding and ruthless our master is that we don't use whatever we have, then what we have will be taken away. But it won't just be taken away. It will be taken from us, and we will be punished based upon our neurotic fear of God (versus a reverential respect) and what we have will be given to someone who is willing to boldly use it to bring honor and glory to God. Using whatever we have to glorify God is not a reckless faith, but a bold, grace-inspired, adventurous yearning to do great things with the gifts God has given us. To that kind of grace-emboldened heart, God gives more grace because he knows he has found a person who will share it boldly with others, just as he has shared it with us!
Today's Prayer
O Lord, forgive me for being so uninspired by the gifts you have given to me and the blessings you have entrusted me to use for your glory. I confess that there have been times when I have hoarded what you have poured out so richly upon me, fearing that I might not use it acceptably when all you were wanting me to do was to use it generously. Give me a bolder heart to use the things you have blessed me with to bring you glory. In Jesus' name, I boldly pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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