The parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30 highlights the importance of using our God-given talents to the fullest. In the parable, a master entrusted his servants with his property before he went on a far way journey. To one, he gave five talents; to another two, and to the last, one talent, according to their abilities. The first two servants used their talents to trade and made an extra profit, an (ROI) Return On Investment. However, the last one buried his talent, not doing anything with it. Upon the master’s return, he commended the first two servants and called the last servant “wicked and slothful” (Matthew 25:26) because he had failed to use his talent productively.
The parable of the talents teaches us that each person has unique abilities, and God expects them to use them for His Kingdom’s work. Burying our talents in the ground only displeases God, who gave it to us in the first place. We may have different skills, but we are all God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Therefore, it is essential to discover our gifts and utilize them in serving others.
Steph Curry is another excellent example of someone who has utilized his God-given talents. He is regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history and has set numerous records with his incredible three-point shooting ability. Curry’s passion and dedication to basketball have brought him great success and accolades, including two NBA MVP awards and three NBA championships. But Curry doesn’t just use his talents for his own personal gain; he also uses them to impact the world positively. He has used his platform and fame to raise money for important causes, such as providing clean water to people in need through his partnership with the non-profit organization “Waterboys.” Curry also started the “Eat. Learn. Play.” Foundation, which aims to support underserved children in their education, nutrition, and physical activity.
By using his talents to make a difference in the world, Curry has brought glory to God and inspired countless people to use their talents for good. Furthermore, using our abilities to the fullest honors God and points others to Him. When we use our abilities, we can inspire others to use theirs. For example, when Rick Warren, a pastor, wrote “The Purpose Driven Life,” he utilized his gift for writing to change people’s lives and encouraged others to use their talents as well.
Tim Tebow is an excellent example of someone who has used his God-given talents to impact the world positively. Despite not attending a public or private school as a child and being homeschooled, Tim developed a passion for sports, particularly football, at an early age. He grew up in a Christian home, and his faith has always been central to his life.
Tebow’s football career was remarkable. He played college football at the University of Florida, winning two national championships, and was the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. His skills and impact on the football field were undeniable. However, Tim believed that his talent for football served a more significant purpose than personal glory or fame. He recognized that his talent was God’s gift to him and wanted to use it to make a difference in people’s lives.
After college, Tim joined the NFL and played for several teams, including the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and New England Patriots. He was known for his strong faith and unapologetically shared it with others. Tim’s reputation as a Christian athlete grew, and he became a symbol of hope for many people. Today, Tim continues to use his God-given talents to help others. He has started several non-profit organizations, including the Tim Tebow Foundation, which he uses to serve people in need globally. Tim is an inspiration, not just for his incredible talent as a football player but for his unwavering commitment to serving others and bringing glory to God through his talent and work.
There are blessings attached to utilizing our talents for God’s work. What talent do you have? You don’t have to be a great athlete like Steph Curry, Tim Tebow, or even a great writer like Rick Warren. Whatever God has given to you, use it. Maybe you can sing, dance or write songs. Maybe you can draw. You may be great with numbers and love mathematics or accounting. Is physics or science your area of strength? If it is, use it to the glory of God. Don’t bury your talent.
In the parable, the first two servants were praised and rewarded for utilizing their talents. Similarly, when we use our talents to serve others, we can bring glory to God and enjoy His blessings. Even when our abilities seem small, we must use them to glorify God, and He will give us the grace we need. The parable of the talents calls us to utilize the gifts God has given us to serve Him, impact others, and earn kingdom credit. Our talents are not just for our personal gain but for God’s use and glory. We must take time to discover our gifts, utilize them to the fullest, and never be afraid to invest them in God’s Kingdom. So let us not bury our talents but use them productively, bring glory to God, and bless the world.
Dr. Aaron Lewis, September 29, 2023