“‘For the kingdom OF heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey’ » (Matthew 25:14, 15).
I was spending a while in that area, so I attended our local church there. I remember they had organized a musical program, they had advertised it everywhere, and there was a large attendance on the evening of the program.
By our criteria—let’s be honest—that the program was presented by people would generally classify as having received «five talents.» For some we have categories of talent in our church, and we often undervalue great variety of talents that exist. We think that people who know how and speak eloquently in public are much more talented than the rest.
But that woman taught me that at times the people who use their «one with all their heart has greater value than some people who use their talents» in a thoughtless, superficial way.
This humble woman with no special preparation had an interesting task she offered water to those who attended our church. Not much of a task right? Well, it turns out that every Sabbath she took plastic cups to the and passed them out, asking each person individually if they would like a drink of water. If they did, she would inevitably quickly bring it to them, and she would strike up a conversation with them. She made sure she talked to every single member and every single visitor, and found out how were doing and if they were in need of anything.
Since when is handing out water a talent? I don’t know. Maybe it isn’t.
But this woman used her conversational ability, her sincere love, and her friendliness to fulfill a double function that resulted in a great blessing for all. Each Sabbath her “just one talent” was multiplied exactly by the number of people attending.
Can the same be said about our talents?
«Many have excused themselves from rendering their gifts to the service of Christ because others were possessed of superior endowments and advantages. The opinion has prevailed that only those who are especially talented are required to consecrate their abilities to the service of God…. But not so represented in the parable. When the master of the house called servants, he gave to every man his work» (Steps to Christ, ch. 9, p. 82).
Do you consider yourself as having «five talents,» «two talents» or «just talent»? Whichever your answer is, put your talents to use in the service God. You will be happier, and you will encourage others to do the same.
