USE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN 

Dani Bucholtz 

Today's Scripture: "But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money." Matthew 25:18, ESV 

Theme: We all have resources that need to be managed faithfully. 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH IT? 

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of a master who leaves on a journey and entrusts his property to three servants. One receives five talents, another two, and another one, "each according to his ability" (Matthew 25:15b, ESV). The first two put what they were given to work and doubled it. The third servant did something very different. He buried his talent in the ground. 

What strikes me about this story is that the third servant didn't lose what he was given. He didn't spend it foolishly. He simply did nothing with it because he was afraid. When the master returned, that mattered. 

MORE THAN MONEY 

A talent in this parable was a large amount of money, but the lesson makes me think about everything God has entrusted to us. Our time, abilities, opportunities, relationships, possessions, and resources all give us opportunities to serve Him and others. 

It's easy to look at what someone else has been given and think ours isn't enough to make a difference. I have a talent for teaching complicated topics and breaking them down so they are easily understood. That seems like a small thing to me, but it’s what I have for now and I need to use it wisely. Maybe someone else has more money, more ability, more influence, or more time. But the master didn't give every servant the same amount. He expected each one to faithfully manage what he had been given. 

The question isn't whether I have as much as someone else. The question is: What am I doing with what God has placed in my hands? 

DON'T BURY IT 

Fear played a role in the third servant's decision. When the master returned, the servant admitted, "…I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground" (Matthew 25:25a, ESV). 

Fear can keep us from using what God has given us, too. We may fear failing, making the wrong decision, or believing that what we have to offer isn't important enough. But burying our gifts and opportunities isn't faithful stewardship. 

God has given each of us something to manage. We don't need to have the most. We need to be faithful with what we have. 

Make It Personal: What has God placed in your hands? Are you using your time, abilities, resources, and opportunities faithfully, or is there something you have been afraid to use? Ask God to show you where you can put what He has given you to work for His purposes. 

Pray: Lord, thank You for everything You have entrusted to me. Help me recognize the resources and opportunities You have placed in my hands. Keep me from comparing what I have with what others have or allowing fear to keep me from using it. Help me to manage what You have given me faithfully and use it in ways that honor You. In Jesus' Name, amen. 

Read: Matthew 25:14-30 

Weekly Memory Verse: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1, ESV