Matthew 25:14-30 Selected Verses (NKJV) The Parable of the Talents
14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them…….
20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things……..
26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
We are talking about the Kingdom of Heaven here and you are asked to be its Steward. A Steward is an awesome responsibility. You are in charge of and responsible for taking care of something that belongs to someone else. How will you invest what has been given to you? How will you advance the Kingdom?
Much, if not everything depends on attitude. There is a way of thinking that needs to be taught. Are you always preparing for the future or do you depend on others to support you? I know of a parent who was struggling financially and got back $1500 of his child support payments from the court. Did he put that money in the bank for a rainy day? No, he bought a big screen TV. At that time, we did not have a big screen TV but we did have food on the table. Do you think he made a wise investment?
Do you hold a Stewardship position at home, work or Church? At home, all that you have belongs to God and you are its steward. At work, you are responsible for making profit for the company and stockholders. Almost everywhere you look, there are opportunities for you to steward something. How do you accept that challenge? God asks us to do everything as if unto the Lord. Do you take your responsibility seriously? Are you a good steward of that for which you are in charge? Ask the Lord and He will help you do it great!
Lord, thank You that You are always there to help us live our best lives. Guide us this day to the plan You have for us and help us to take care of that You have entrusted to us. In Your name we pray!