The parable of the talents that Jesus tells in the book of Matthew seems to be a definite favorite of motivated Christian Entrepreneurs and businessmen. It is a famous parable that highlights the principles of initiative, hard work, personal responsibility, and seizing opportunities. Its depth of applicability and substance also highlights the classic pollical and economic argument between the doctrines of capitalism and socialism; between the free market, and that of the state-controlled enterprise and industry. The economic argument between these forces has been written about and discussed for nearly two centuries now. However, the biblical perspective of hard work, wealth, and generosity is based on a Kingdom economic mindset. The Lord of Heaven and Earth has infinite resources at his disposal. Men by nature on the other hand are often in fear of scarcity or how much the next person has. Greed, insecurity, and selfishness are characteristics that lurk within someone who does not fully trust that God himself is more than enough for us. When a person places their entire trust on God alone, they discover that God is faithful to provide all their needs, and brings blessings, protection, and provision into every area of their life.
In the famous parable, A wealthy man goes on a journey. Before he left, he provided talents which was essentially a form of currency to three of his servants. To one servant he provides 5 talents with the intention that he should invest and steward it properly. He does the same with another servant he provides with 2 talents. And to the third servant, he provided 1 talent. Sometime later after he returned from his journey, he comes to settle accounts with them and to observe how they invested their talents. The one who was provided with 5 talents earned five more thereby earning the Masters approval, along with the servant who was given two talents as he also earned two more. But the one who was given 1 talent made excuses for his fear and laziness after he dug and buried the one talent and did nothing with it. He claimed the Master was a hard man and that he capitalized, harvested, and gathered all around him taking advantage of every opportunity. The Master punished the third servant and took his one and only talent and gave it to the most industrious of the servants so that the talent was best invested.
This famous parable highlights the fact that God honors the faithful and diligent. When God gives us abilities and talents, he expects us to use them. Every skill, attribute, resource, talent, and ability that we possess is a gift from God and is intended to be an asset for service in his kingdom. Some people have incredible administrative abilities while others have a high technical acumen. Some people are gifted athletically and artistically while others are blessed with intense courage conducive to high pressure jobs. Whatever God gives us is what we are to use for his service until he returns. Do not worry about how much you have in comparison to the person next to you. At the heart of high functioning teams, is exactly the mindset and heart of a team player. Our job is not to constantly measure ourselves against the person next to us. That act really gets lame after a while. Our real job is to learn and understand the environment we are in and see how we can best serve others. And in the process, self-actualize incrementally and steadily as we mature into the person God wants us to be.
Jesus famously tells us in Matthew Chapter 6, not to worry. He tells us that he ensures that even the needs of a bird are met and that no detail from nature escape his attention. If he cares about small birds and flowers, how much more so is he concerned about his beloved and prized possession which is you. Jesus loves people. He is very interested in your life and cares about the things and details that hurt you and concern you. What the parable of the talents reminds us of is that God made and designed you with your strengths and skills for a reason and he expects you to capitalize on those qualities he blessed you with. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid of failure. If you fail, get up. Get in the fight. Get in the arena. Pray before you go into battle. Pray before you go into that meeting. Pray before that exam or test. Pray before that job interview. Encourage yourself and encourage others with a smile. Be a happy warrior. Jesus is on the throne and everything is going to be alright.