In this parable, Jesus spoke about servants who had all been entrusted with some money. Two of them managed to multiply the original amount enormously, and the king was thrilled when he discovered this. However, the third servant played it safe – very safe. He hid the money and ensured that he could return it in full to the king. The king was furious and ordered that this preserved money should go to the most successful servant.

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, writing or whatever it may be, make sure you are using that gift as productively as you possibly can. One day, the Lord will ask you what you have done with the gift, and you must expect a severe response if your answer is that you played it safe and did nothing with it.

It’s very tempting for all of us to look at our gifts and think that 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. If you’re not sure what your gift is, let me encourage you to pray about this and then talk with others. Most people who know you well will immediately identify it. I started preaching as a teenager because someone else identified that this was my gift. I would never, ever have put myself forward for this, and I was really nervous when I first did so, 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.

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

Thank you Lord for the generous gifts that you have given to me. Help me to make the most of them. Amen