Matthew 25:29
“For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
God rewards those who responsibly use their gifts. This can go to the believer and the nonbeliever. To the believer, He rewards those who obey Him. This reward is great. I Corinthians 2:13 illustrates this, ‘Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”’ I can dream up some good things for myself. His blessings are so great they are far beyond what I can imagine. I agree with this. I feel so blessed. My life is overflowing with blessings. Some are financial. Most are relationships, a full heart, an amazing job, a great wife and so on. Some are in the negative. He has kept me from evil. So good. Thank You, God.
Many in the west live their lives by a christian ethic, even though they aren’t christians. Therefore, they are experiencing a blessing they know not of. They would be shocked to know that it’s because of God. I heard a talk show host blast an atheist for belittling christians. His reasons were this. He said that the atheist was blessed by God, yet didn’t know it. He was ignorantly criticizing his source of blessing. This was news to me.
The latter half of the verse is also true. If we ignore our talents, we are living inefficiently. This reminds me of Ecclesiastes 10:10, “If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.” This person could have things easier by focusing on their talents and investing their efforts there. People would pay them for their talent. That’s how people grow in success in business. They are good at it.
This passage also speaks of spiritual disobedience. These aren’t fearing God and doing what He says. Particularly accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for their sins. The next verse has them being sent to hell. A scary reality. It’s not that good people go to heaven, because all have sinned. Forgiven people go to heaven. Many see entrance to heaven as based on a curve. They are better than average. A loving God wouldn’t send them to hell. That’s not true. We all need forgiveness. That’s why Jesus was sent from heaven to die for our sins.
Lord, thank You for the wise lesson of focusing on our talents. Thank You for the blessing of serving You. Help us to warn those who are in disobediance to You.