So I have really gone crazy with the Spiritual Gifting, haven't I? I guess that is because I am really challenged and nervous about what God has blessed me with. It makes me think about the Parable of the Talents. (Back in Jesus' time, a talent was a unit of money) It is a story Jesus told in the bible book of Matthew, chapter 25 verses 14-30. For those of you not familiar with it, here it is in the bible translation known as "The Message".
The Story About Investment
14-18 "It's also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money.
19-21 "After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.'
22-23 "The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master's investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.'
24-25 "The servant given one thousand said, 'Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.'
26-27 "The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.
28-30 "'Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.'
Honestly, that is all I am going to say for today. Think about it. How does this story challenge you to use your gifts? I have to admit it hits incredibly close to home for me. Actually, it scares the heck out of me. I know what God has put me on this earth to do and I am still frozen with fear. I am having a tough time going out and doing the things he has commissioned me to do. I have faith that all will be well and work out for the good of him AND me, but something seems to be holding me back. I would appreciate prayer, if you happen to need someone to pray for. Thanks and blessings!
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