Parable of the Talents
Matthew 25:14-30
Everyone has a talent, a gifting, a unique way that God has built them for a purpose. This parable emphasizes that Jesus, our savior and maker, expects us to use this treasure to give him glory. Key to understanding this is to see that all we have is not our own, and one day we will be held accountable for how we used it. Will the words be, Well done good and faithful servant, or why did you bury and hide what I gave you?
Quote of the day from John A. Shedd, "A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are made for."
Are we willing to take a risk? Do something bold? Put our own fears and apprehensions aside and live loudly in the name of our Lord?
ben
Intentional steps outside of the safe zone are scary. "You don't really have to change until you let go."
I don't think the "three things" people would say about me would be the same as my "three things" and I think it might even change when I ask those who aren't my friends or who are my co-workers, because I tend to be different people in those scenarios. Isn't that just as bad as keeping dark secrets? Most of those people don't really know who I am, merely who I want them to see.
I can be quiet and shy and listen and read but that doesn't exacly make it easy to serve others. Is this boldness learned or is it merely a reflection of what is deep in your heart?
Several years ago at a different church we did a study on Bill Hybels book Becoming a Contagious Christian. It was interesting, because it showed quite clearly that there are all sorts of styles that are effective. However I took those lessons no further than the walls of our church. The church equipped us with the study but I really didn't know what to do with what I had because I treated the idea as merely a checklisted activity instead of a life change.
I read a book last year that was mostly about worship (Chris Tomlin's The Way I Was Made) however one thing that he wrote really resonated in me was God's opinion of Caleb in Numbers 24. (Have to admit that Numbers is not a book I typically read.) After explaining the story of Caleb, Chris Tomlin said that he'd rather be the guy with a "different spirit" like Caleb and then he asked - How about you?
I appreciate God's direction to help me change my own life. It takes a while to change a life. If this life isn't about me, maybe the bold step is the simple one? With God let's Go. (Comment this)