Matthew 25:22,23
“Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have earned two more talents.’ His mastersaid to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’”
This is how life works. God has given all of us talents. We are to use them for good. If we do we get a return God is pleased. While working doesn’t save us, if we are saved we will work.
The unredeemed person can be responsible and work. God would be pleased, even though work isn’t that which brings one to heaven. It would bring much satisfaction.
This is demonstrating several principles, work and responsibility. The principle of work is seen all throughout the bible. Ecclesiastes 3:24 says, “Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God.” God worked in creation. God tasked Adam and Eve to work in the garden. Work brings much fulfillment. There is a satisfaction of a job well done. It also gives a healthy self worth.
The other principle is responsibility and stewardship. We are to use the gifts God has given us. That is the message of the parable.
We all have different gifts. Some have many and others have few. Some are public and others are more private. I Corinthians 12:18-21 speaks of how each of us has value, ‘But now God has arranged the parts, each one of them in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one part, where would the body be? But now there are many parts, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again, the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”’
We are to use what we’ve been given. If we are in Christ, we get supercharged by the Holy Spirit. He also brings us to be used in the contexts in which He chooses. Such a blessing.
In my twenties I was involved in youth and young adult ministry. That was fun. I thought I was to be a pastor. I was on paid staff for 1.5 years. The situation did dry up. That was God’s mercy. My gifts don’t match up with a pastor’s. My career has been as a teacher. That has been fun.
Lord, thank You for work and the fulfillment that it’s brought. Thank You for the talents You’ve given.