The two parables taught by the Lord in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:13-27 elaborate further the matter of the principle of given talents that hold generally for whosoever understands and applies them, whether you are a believer or not.

Both parables emphasise first accountability. Secondly faithfulness to the TRUST bestowed you in the giving of the talents IS THE KEY TO MULTIPLICATION!

Look at the popular examples that rule the economy of the world today, from deceased Steve Jobs to the living, such as Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and many more, they diligently worked with their talents with accountability, and experienced multiplication. If these are those who had no divine purpose tied to the trust they were granted, how much more believers who understand that there is purpose tied to the trust given to them.

The story told by the Lord of the unjust steward (manager) in Luke 16, made clear the difference between the children of this world and the children of light. The former betrayed the TRUST given him, seeking to build himself continuance here on earth while the children of light have a very clear purpose when it comes to faithfulness and multiplication, which purpose is stated clearly in Luke 16:8-9, corroborating what the Lord said in Matthew 6:19-21.

The rich man had to admire the rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the citizens of this world are more clever in dishonesty than the godly are. But shall I tell you to act that way, to buy friendship through cheating? Will this ensure your entry into an everlasting home in heaven? Luke 16:8-9 TLB

Don’t store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in heaven where they will never lose their value and are safe from thieves. If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too. Matthew 6:19-21 TLB

Summarising, in God’s economy there is abundance not shortage, and the use, the right use of trust bestowed is critical to both faithfulness here and in everlasting considerations!

Please understand that there is a difference between talents, spiritual gifts and purpose, which many have muddled up in motivational speaking to the destruction of their faith!

For the believer the use of talents and spiritual gifts are unconditionally tied to purpose. Deuteronomy 8:18 and the New Testament scriptures quoted above, along with the lessons taught in Luke 12:15-21 with emphasis on verse 21 all corroborate this.

Beware! Don’t always be wishing for what you don’t have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are. Then he gave an illustration: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing—he couldn’t get everything in. He thought about his problem, and finally exclaimed, ‘I know—I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I’ll have room enough. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “Friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Wine, women, and song for you!” But God said to him, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. Then who will get it all?’ Yes, every man is a fool who gets rich on earth but not in heaven.” Luke 12:15-21 TLB

Every believer needs to understand and live the community considerations embedded in the parables of the talents and minas. Those entrusted were servants of the same master; not drawn from different places and had the opportunity to encourage each other without envy or competition except for the one who had no respect for the Master.

How do you relate amongst yourselves in the community, your local assembly? Selah.



Pastor Afolabi Oladele