Thursday, October 16, 2008

Parable of the Talents

So I've been spending some time reflecting on the Parable of the Talents. Not the whole parable, just a part, actually just part of a single verse. The part I have been reflecting on is found in Matthew 25:15. The part I've been reflecting on is "each according to his ability." Not really sure why this struck me but it has. I think we generally understand what the point of the parable is, that we are to be responsible with what we have and more will be given, but I keep thinking about this portion of a verse. As I think about this I wonder "what exactly does it mean?" So as I process this I am beginning to wonder what abilities he has given us that we often forget about and we often miss opportunities to use the abilities and therefore are unfaithful with them. Or if we don't know about the ability and we miss an opportunity will we have what is given taken away. I'm unsure if we are responsible for what we do not know.

This has also gotten me thinking about what abilities I have and I am not using. What do we do when we don't have opportunities to use our abilities? Do we search opportunities out or do we wait until we are given them?

Any how, just some random thoughts to get you thinking. Feel free to process in comment form if you like.

2 comments:

Jer said...

It is funny that you wrote on this parable, I actually read that passage the same morning. The thing that struck me about it was that the while the master gave three different amounts to three different people, his response could be all the same. He was disappointed that the last person saved his talent instead of investing it and doubling the return.

The master viewed both of the wise investors equally. While the second only created three talents, the master rewarded him with "many things," just like the first. God understands that each person is capable of so much and expects more from the person who has been given much. In short, He wants the best of our abilities! God wants us to advance the Kingdom through the best of our abilities.

Jon V. said...

What I also find interesting is that the guy only hid it; its not like he lost it. So the idleness of the object is also a problem.