In the Parable of the Talents, the servants were entrusted with their master’s property for the duration of his journey. He gave different amounts to each, but all three were given something. The two that used what they were given to create something more were praised. The one who simply hid away the resources was chastised for not understanding who the master was, and for not working to make more out of what he had been given.

This is a sobering thought when we apply it to our own lives. What “Talents” has God entrusted you with in your life? While we await the call from the Lord to come home, we are to be good stewards of the time, money, health, and other resources with which we have been supplied. Like the first two servants who doubled what they had been given by working hard to please their master, we too should work heartily unto the Lord with what we have.

One of the grave errors of the third servant was not understanding who his master was and what he required. I like to think it is because he was so focused on himself that he didn’t take time to get to know the other man. It would fit with so many types of Christians today that haven’t taken time to get to know God through his word or in prayer, but still claim to serve him.  Not knowing his master, the thrid servant was fearful or lazy (maybe both) and hid away his talent. He handed back exactly what he had been given–at least he hadn’t lost it all together–and lost the right to oversee the talent’s use in the future.

We all are placed in different circumstances,  with different challenges, as well as different gifts. No two situations are the same. Comparison will steal your joy. Focus on what God has put in your hands and asked you to steward. Make good use of your spiritual gifts, money you have earned, and even the opportunities to witness to the people that cross your path. Look forward to the wonderful day you can hear God tell you “Well done, good and faithful servant.”