In the “parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30),” we get an idea of what God expects us to do here on earth. We’re all given talents, some great and some small; but whether your talent is epic or miniscule, we glorify God when we use it to further his kingdom. God isn’t rating His followers based on the number of converts they win over or the number of church pews they fill; He’s interested in the passion with which we use whatever gifts he has given us.

      I love the parables of Jesus, for they are so rich and deep. They are like gold mines, full of spiritual truths, shining like nuggets. The Parable of the Talents is a marvelous story that Jesus tells while teaching about the end time. Also it talks about admonition to be watchful, for no one knows the hour. The servants in the story had no idea when the master was coming back, just as we have no idea when Jesus will return.

      Jesus tells us that the master entrusted the servants with differing amounts of wealth “to each according to his ability.” He did not entrust them with ability, rather he gave to them according to the ability they already had. What he entrusted to them is wealth.

    This parable, while it tells us something about the end times, tells us more about Christian stewardship. Stewardship is one of those churchy words that actually has to do with how we manage the things that God has entrusted to us. Everything that we have, we have received from God. Whatever wealth we have, is an entrusted gift. Our abilities and talents are also gifts from God to be used wisely, as is the time allotted to each of us.

      In the parable the servants were entrusted with something of great value. Two of the servants invested and used it wisely, which gave a return to the master. The third servant dug a hole and buried it for safe keeping. Apparently, the master was not looking for safe keeping; he was looking for risk of investment, and a return.

      I would like for us to think of interpreting this parable as dealing with the most valuable thing that God has entrusted to our care. What exactly is the most valuable thing that our master has entrusted to us? It is the gospel message of God’s love for us in Christ Jesus. It is more valuable that all of the silver and gold in the world. It is more valuable than all of our abilities, talents and time.

      If we risk ourselves by sharing the gospel message, there will be a return on that investment for our master. Others will come to know Jesus. Some of us will be more successful in our evangelism than others, but we are all called to share the message. But there are some who want to play it safe and simply hold onto the message for themselves.

      But as with all our gifts, we will be held accountable when the master returns. We will all be called to account regarding how we managed the gifts that God entrusted to us. I really want to hear God’s voice say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Do you?