Luke 19:26

In the parable of the talents, Jesus speaks of three servants who were entrusted with some money. Two of them multiplied the original amount enormously and, when the king discovered this, he was thrilled. But the third servant played it safe, hiding the money to ensure he could return it in full. The king was furious. He ordered his safely preserved money to be given to the servant who had made the most money.

Jesus’ message is clear. Don’t play it safe! If God has given you a gift, use it. If you have a gift of caring, studying, administrating, teaching, healing, praying or writing, whatever it may be, make sure that you are using it as productively as you can. One day the Lord will ask you what you have done with the gift – and you should expect a severe response if your answer is that you played it safe, and did nothing.

It’s tempting to look at our gifts and think they don’t amount to much. We can all look at others and reflect that they are so much more gifted than we are. But that isn’t the point. You and I have been given a gift by God. And he is looking to us to use it.

Some of you may not be sure what your gift is. Let me encourage you to pray about this and talk with others. Most people who know you well will immediately identify what your gift is. I started preaching as a teenager because someone else identified this as my gift. I would never have put myself forward to preach and I was really nervous when I first did it. But I am so grateful that they identified the gift and encouraged me.

Whatever you do, don’t play it safe. Make good use of whatever gift God has given you.

Question

What’s your gift and how are you going to use it?

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the gift that you have given me. Fill me with your Spirit so that I will make the most of it. Amen