December 15, 2010 – Our Gifts to God: Gifts (Talents)
Scripture: Matthew 25: 1, 14-15, 1 Corinthians 7: 7 (NAS)
The kingdom of heaven is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability;
However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.
Devotion:
Have you ever received a Christmas gift that you never used? Have you ever given a Christmas gift that was never used?
Talents or gifts are something everyone has, though many thing they have none. God gives or entrusts us with something according to our own ability. What we do with that is much like the servants in Jesus’ parable. So what do we do with our talents or gifts? I believe if we don’t use what we have we lose it.
Now I am aware that talent in the Greek refers to money; humor me, I think the point remains. Are we using our gifts to their full measure? I believe this is our gift to God along with prayer and presence which we have already discussed and with service and witness (tomorrow and Friday). Instead of being afraid of what God is capable of doing to us if we fail, we trust His judgment of us and use our gifts (talents, money, whatever) and show our love for Him. It’s all part of being in relationship.
What are your talents? How are you using them?
Father, thank You for trusting us with the gifts and talents that You have given us. Help us to trust You enough to show us how to use them. In the Name of Jesus, who tried to show us what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Amen.
Thank you for this website.