TALENTS, TIME and TREASURES

Each of us, who are born into this world, have a certain set of talents, and a certain amount of time on hand. The LORD, who called us, out of darkness into His marvellous light, expects us to use our talents, and our time, in a way, that would bring glory to the LORD, and bless the people around us. Life of a Christian is, no lazy man’s game. It requires us to be sharp, and stay focussed, so that we bear fruit, more fruit and much fruit.

1- TALENTS and TIME are GIVEN to US by God, so we are expected to USE THEM WISELY and PROFITABLY. Let us remember – “15…to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability…” “10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” “4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:” “6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…” – Matthew 25:15, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Romans 12:6

2- When WE WORK upon our TALENTS in the TIME given to us, WE ACCUMULATE TREASURES in HEAVEN. This is what the Word of God says – “22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” “19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” – Luke 18:22, Matthew 6:19-20

Matthew Henry, took his talents and time seriously, and did something with them, which is a blessing to many, even to this day, a good 300 plus years. On 12th November in 1704, forty-two year old Matthew Henry, writes in his personal journal, that he wants to write a commentary on the Bible. A few days later, he pens these words – “I set about it, that I may endeavour something and spend my time to some good purpose and let the Lord make what use he pleaseth of me.” This task is no cake walk. Yet, Matthew Henry pursued it with single-mindedness, overcoming obstacles if any, and completes most of the work, before his death, ten years since he started the commentary, in 1714. Later on, his friends put the efforts of Matthew Henry, into final form, and publish his work. We are still blessed by this wonderful commentary on the Bible!

Some questions to ask ourselves. What talents did the LORD given us? How are we using our talents and our time? Are we being profitable servants of God? God has entrusted us with a lot, and it is important work. Let us always be mindful of it, and be at it – Matthew 28:18-20.