~Tuesday Thoughts~
These November Tuesdays I want to explore the theme of giving. The Dictionary of Bible Themes divides it up into four things: giving of oneself, of possessions, of talents, and of time. I'm mixing that order up and we’ll have possessions first, time second, talents third and then –oh, the climax!- the giving of oneself. Two Tuesdays ago we talked about giving possesions and last Tuesday about giving time. Today we'll talk about giving our talents.
God is the one who gave us the talents we have. And, yes, even though it seems sometimes like we're talentless we do have them.
God is the one who gave us the talents we have. And, yes, even though it seems sometimes like we're talentless we do have them.
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." Romans 12:6a (NIV)
"For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" 1 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
Talents are different. The talents you have are not the talents I have; the things you do well I might not - and vice versa.
"But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." 1 Corinthians 7:7b (NIV)
Talents should be used. Maybe you have heard the parable about using the talents. You can read it in Mathew 25:14-30 (it's in the New King James Version) and a similar one in Luke 19:11-27.
We should use them for God's glory.
"If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
We should use them for the good of those around us.
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10(NIV)
"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV)
Two more things about talents:
Talents will be accounted for.
“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them." Matthew 25:19(NIV)
And - great news! - there will be rewards too. Although salvation is given by grace and not for works, God does reward us for what we do later on.
"He repays everyone for what they have done;
he brings on them what their conduct deserves." Job 34:11 (NIV)
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
How about you? What talents do you have? How do you already use them for God and for the good of others? How can you use them even more?
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