Jun 14 – One Talent!

“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.” (Matthew 25:15)

The Lord is not only the One who created and formed us, but also the One who blesses us with talents, abilities, and special graces. The kind and measure of these talents differ from person to person.

Just as the children of God have talents, the people of the world also possess many kinds of abilities. They use their talents to advance in life, gain fame, and earn wealth. Some even sell their talents to Satan and use them in his service. But we, as children of God, must use all our talents and abilities for the glory of the Lord’s name.

When we are saved, the first talent the Lord gives us is prayer. Prayer is a precious talent. Through prayer we joyfully call God, “Abba, Father,” and speak openly with Him. At first, prayer becomes a relationship between God and us. Later, it helps us intercede for others, stand in the gap for the nation, and pray for weary souls.

But we must not stop with just that one talent. We should use that one talent to gain another. From the talent of prayer, we must move into the talent of intercession. Then we must grow into the spirit of supplication. As we faithfully use our talents, the Lord will grant us even greater spiritual talents.

In the Bible, the man who received one talent did not use it to gain more. Neither did he develop his abilities. Instead, he buried the talent he had received. Because of this, the master suffered loss. The servant failed to fulfill the expectations of his master. Though he had received a talent, he failed to fulfill its purpose.

During his short lifetime, he missed the opportunity to accomplish great things for the Lord through the talent entrusted to him. Worse still, he began to accuse his master: “I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.” (Matthew 25:24)

What a reckless statement that was! How deeply it must have grieved the loving Lord!

Children of God, today the Lord may also have entrusted many talents to you. When you use your talents for the glory of His name and for the work of God, He will continue to bless you more and more.

Verse for further meditation: “For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.” (Romans 14:18)