For it is like a man who was about to take a long journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his property......He who had received one talent also came forward, saying, Master, I knew you to be a harsh and hard man, reaping where did not sow, and gathering where you had not winnowed (the grain). So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is your own.
****Note....talents were a type of currency used in Jesus day.
No we dont all have the same talents and abilities. We cannot all do the same things, but we can all be what God has called us individually to be. I cannot be what you are, and you cannot be what I am, but we can each be all that God wants us to be. Many people are like the third servant in this parable. They hide their talents because they are afraid --- afraid of responsibility, afraid of judgement, afraid of what people will think. They are afraid to step out; afraid they might fail, afraid of criticism, afraid of other people's opinions, afraid of being misunderstood. They are afraid of the sacrifice and hard work involved.
I do not want you to be afraid to take the talent God gave you and use it for HIS glory. I do not want you to end up unhappy, unfulfilled, and dissatisfied because you are compromising what He has placed in you. Let me encourage you to use your talents to the greatest possible extent and to do your best in every area of your life. Then you will hear your Master say, "Well done!"
