Sometimes we complain about limited abilities or opportunities in life. “Why can’t I do such and such?” or, “Why doesn’t that particular opportunity come my way?” The truth is, God has given you some ability with which to serve him, some opportunity to bring glory to him. Many people limit their service by focusing only on their inabilities. True, personal strengths vary from person to person; but God gives the ability needed for the opportunities he has for you. The Apostle Paul had something in his life he considered limiting and humbling, and he asked that it be taken from him. The Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”(2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul responded, “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus teaches with the parable of the master who entrusted three of his servants with talents before he left on a journey. These talents were not abilities, as we define “talents” today; they were silver, and each talent probably weighed over 60 pounds. This was a big deal. One servant received five talents, one received two, and one received one. Because the first two servants used their talents to the best of their ability, the master had the same response for both: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much”(21,23). The third servant, however, did nothing with his talent. He had an excuse; but in the end, excuses don’t matter. The only talent he had was taken from him.
Although the parable describes talents of physical value, the lesson being taught relates to whatever God has given you. You may consider your talents or gifts or blessings to be in the realm of objects or ideas or physical labor or numbers or the arts. All of these are important and can be used for God. Opportunities to bring glory to God, however, also include involvement with people because people are the only beings on this earth created in the image of God; only people have souls. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 emphasizes the worthlessness of any abilities which are devoid of love for others. Without love, “I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal . . . I am nothing . . . I gain nothing.” Whatever your talents are, add to their value by reaching out to people with love. Be willing to step outside the safety of your comfort zone and serve God while proving to the lost world around you that you respect and value them.
Don’t look at the talents of others and consider yourself robbed. Use the talent you have. Sometimes a close Christian friend can help you determine what that is. Don’t bury it because that’s how you feel most comfortable. When we face God at the end of life, our comfort and excuses won’t be worth anything. Whatever God has given you, invest it for eternal rewards.