Worth Your Weight In Gold

When we use the word talent, we tend to think of a skill or ability. Perhaps an inborn aptitude, that allows us to succeed in an endeavor. That modern usage is one that has a biblical root.

In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a parable of a man that gave to his servant’s talents. The talents here were measures of money. A talent was ancient weight measurement that varied over time and cultures. It was generally thought to have originated as an approximation to about the weight of a person. So a talent of any precious metal would have been worth quite a bit.

Our modern take come from the fact the master gives to each servant according to his ability. However, I think this take misses an important point. The ability isn’t the focus, the usage is. Even the one talent man was given a hefty amount.

Too many folks dismiss their function in the kingdom thinking they are lacking in a ‘talent’ but each of us, no matter our abilities, have been given by great resources and great responsibilities. How are we using that gift? Are we living up to the master’s trust in us by investing in our efforts?

It doesn’t matter how talented you are if you are not given a chance, an opportunity. God has given each of us a chance. Are we just burying it in the ground?

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Ecclesiastes 12:10

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