Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
This passage of scripture tells us that God distributes talents and abilities to every capable person, and these gifts are given according to our ability to use and multiply them efficiently. Some people think that these verses refer only to Christians, but the Bible shows that this parable applies across the board to every individual to whom God has given talents. It includes Hezekiah Walker, Yolanda Adams, and Marvin Sapp, but it also encompasses Elton John, Justin Bieber, Bon Jovi and Shabba Ranks. This according to the Bible. Let's read:
Psalms 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
The use of our talents therefore will play a deciding role in determining our eternal destiny. If they are used for self-glorification or in the service of satan to promote evil, the result will be eternal damnation. However , if the gifts are used for the glory of God, for the upbuilding of His kingdom and for the uplifting of humanity, the reward will be eternal life. This sacred truth is clearly stated in the Bible. Let's read:
John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
One of the more common misconceptions however, is the belief that all we are required to do is to use our God-given talents to the best of our ability. While this is true to some extent, the parable brings to light the sacred duty to multiply. In other words, if a gospel artist started out as a mere singer, God expects them over time to potentially become a producer, an arranger, a song writer, a music teacher, and to have their own studio. To simply remain as a "good singer" is not good enough. Let's read:
Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
The first command coming from God to Adam and Eve was to be productive, to multiply, and to have dominion, in other words, they were not to remain stagnant in life, but were to be continually advancing and making progress with a steady, even tread. Let's read:
Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
The parable however brings to view the disposition of the slothful servant, who instead of using efficiently what was given him, decided to keep it in good condition until the Master returned. The Master did not want the talent just to be kept in good condition, He was looking for returns on His investment, but instead what he got was bitter recrimination and complaint after complaint. Let's read:
Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
Some Christians go through their entire lives just existing within the sphere of the church. They work and pay their bills and probably have good credit, but they never do anything with the gifts God has given them. God does not merely desire us to be "good" Christians, He desires that we be "profitable" servants. Furthermore, there are many more who do not even know what their talents are, and so their life experience lacks definition, purpose and productivity. The rewards of such are brought to light in the parable. Let's read:
Matthew 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
However, those who used their talents to glorify God and uplift their fellowmen, who by faithfulness and steadfastness of purpose multiplied their talents, received a reward commensurate with their efforts made to maximize the Gifts of God in the most efficient manner. Let's read:
Matthew 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
In this life we are placed on probation to see whether or not we will be like the profitable servants to whom God can safely delegate more responsibility in the eternal world. The Bible teaches us that those who will be saved will reign as kings and priests to God, which tells us that in heaven, there will be no such thing as sitting on a cloud, playing a flute. Heaven is a place of intense activity where the inhabitants thereof work for the benefit of each other and the universe as a whole. Let's read:
John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
It's therefore incumbent upon us to make the most of the talents, gifts, and opportunities for service that God has granted to us in this life, so that when He comes he may receive His own with usury. We therefore end with a text that should encourage faithfulness in whatsoever our hands and minds find to do, for it is the will of God that we be productive citizens of earth and then of heaven. Let's read:
Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
May the Lord add His blessing to the study and doing of His word. God bless!