Scripture: Matthew 25:14-16
For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents.
Thought for the Day: It was George Buttrick who wrote that a “talent is evidently like any other coin: it has two sides. On one side is written endowment, and on the other responsibility.” Just because someone has been given (endowed with) a talent or gift, it does not automatically mean it has been used…let alone, used for the purpose it was given. In the life of the church, we have been called to communicate the news that every human being has been uniquely gifted, but also communicate the divine calling upon that gift. At the time of Matthew’s Gospel, the church was young and fragile. If its members chose to sit back and do nothing more than celebrate God’s gifts, then the potential of the church would be lost. The church’s responsibility was to lead the celebration, along with putting forth the high expectation that God had with every gift, talent, skill and blessing. These were not to be ignored, hidden or used for a selfish end. Instead, the purpose was to help reveal the Kingdom of God! How are we doing in communicating what Matthew’s Gospel was attempting to share — a clear sense of responsibility placed upon each and every person?
Prayer: Let me see both sides of the coin, Lord. My heart celebrates your gracious giving, but it also desires to see the calling you have put upon my life. Amen.
TODAY
