THE BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Carey Madding
Today’s Scripture: “And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’” Matthew 25:20, ESV
Theme: Use what you have been given intentionally to earn the best return for the Master.
MASTER SHOPPER
When you see the words “Master Shopper,” you may think of someone with a closet full of shoes or designer labels. But I think of the words in a totally different way. My mother, as a military wife, learned to shop for everything she needed for the entire month because they got paid only once a month. I, on the other hand, run out for whatever meal comes to mind, not bothering to scrounge in the pantry for what is left. There have been times when we had only eggs, lettuce, and lima beans for dinner, but even in those lean times, my paychecks came more often than once a month! I never learned the art of meal-planning and bi-weekly shopping without any additional trips to the grocery store.
One time, long after my parents were retired and financially comfortable, my mom came to visit and questioned me about my choice of canned vegetables and fresh fruits. I did not have the store brand of veggies and I had bought some fruit out of season. She explained that the store beans were just as good; no need to ever buy the name brand. She asked how much I paid for the fruit… and I didn’t know. She, however, knew exactly how much the cherries or grapes cost because she had just recently refused to pay that much. To her way of thinking, it was bad money management to buy fruit out of season and pay the extra money.
CREATE MONETARY MARGIN
In the parable we are studying this week, we see the servant bringing back to his master the original investment, plus a 100% increase. To make that kind of gain, you must start with good stewardship. Like my mom, you must be careful, not frivolous. But to be clear, you can’t be a miser either! Being careful allows you to have margin to be generous! My parents tithed, they were hospitable, they were mission-minded, and they helped people as God brought them into their paths. I remember a single mom who they cared for by getting her into an apartment and helping her furnish it for her children.
TALENTS
In the same way that God has entrusted us with riches and resources, He has given us skills and abilities. You can squander them by letting them go dormant. You can waste them by treating them cheaply, disregarding their worth. If you consider your talent minimal, always downplaying it, refusing to use it in front of others, that devaluation is treating your treasure as if it is worthless.
If you misuse your talent, that is also a waste. Of course, you can use your skills and abilities to provide for yourself, but if you never offer a portion of that back to God in service to His family, that is selfishness. Don’t just assume I’m talking about a vocalist who only sings in secular settings. I’m also talking about the administrator who could help plan a serving team schedule. Think about the great cook who could also help with church events or at the soup kitchen. Take your talent and use it for God’s glory!
Make It Personal: Where could you be thriftier, specifically so you can be more generous? Where are you investing in things that will not last? How could you invest in things that have eternal value and bring eternal reward? What skill or talent have you left unused or undervalued? Consecrate all these - time, talents, treasure - to the glory of God.
Pray: Lord, I think too highly of things that are temporal. I undervalue the worth of my resources and my abilities. Please show me how to make the most of all You have given me, not only in this life, but for eternity. I want to honor You with all I do, say, and give. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 15:8-10; Exodus 31:1-11
Weekly Memory Verse: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:23, ESV