Matthew 25

“For it is just like a man going on a journey. He called his own slaves and turned over his possessions to them. To one, he gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, one – to each according to his own ability.” Matthew 25:14-15

In most circles, the words “gifted” and “talented” are synonymous. While gifts and talents are both attributed to grace, each has a unique purpose.

“GIFTS,” or “spiritual gifts,” are ABILITIES the Lord bestows to all people. (See the lists in Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 13-15, and elsewhere.) Each person is created to glorify God uniquely. God desires everyone use their gifts for His glory. Sadly, most people don’t attribute their gifts to God. They simply choose to think of themselves as extraordinary and seek to use their gifts to glorify themselves.

Gifts come in combinations. Like the contents of a piñata, everyone’s gift set is varied and unique. Still, one gift usually dominates the others.

I consider a “TALENT” as an OPPORTUNITY in which to invest your gift in God’s Kingdom. When the Lord gives a talent, He always matches the opportunity with your ability: Gift & Talent. Perhaps, you have heard the phrase, “Where God guides, He provides.” I would add, “When God provides a spiritual gift, He always guides us to a place to invest that gift.

Those who follow His leading, with the intent to invest their gifts, see an INCREASE. The increase is directly proportional to the talent/gift combination. Increase is measured in 1) Kingdom impact and 2) your personal growth. Your faith broadens as others are discipled by you seizing the opportunity to invest your gift(s) in their lives. As your faith grows, the Lord gives you greater opportunities. It all spirals upward.

“To whom much has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” Luke 12:48b

Let’s say you ignore God’s “talent.” Maybe, you’re scared or unsure. The Kingdom doesn’t grow, and nor do you. “Burying” your talent negatively impacts your faith. You never give the Lord a chance to build your faith by showing His increase. Instead of stretching, you shrink. The Lord may send someone else to accomplish what you refused to begin, and they (along with the person/people invested in) will reap the increase.

Everyone is gifted. Every believer has the privilege & opportunity to labor in the Kingdom. Let’s be sensitive to how God leads us today, and let’s invest the gifts (He has given us) in the opportunities He presents, thus reaping the rewards of the faithful!