emergingfree

Talent Wasted?

Have you ever experienced a time when it felt like you were down to nothing?  Maybe you were counting your change because your dollars had run out.  Maybe that relationship you thought would last forever had a deadline and you were left with your tears and wounds from what could have been.  Maybe you took a professional risk which left you holding the liability.  It is times like this when you may be motivated to reflect the most.  There you are.  So, what now?

“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

Lately I have been thinking about the lazy servant who, because of his fear and self-centeredness, did not multiply his talent.  I do not want to be like that.  I want all of God’s blessings for my life!  Don’t you?

Now, you know like I do that some days feel harder than others.  Likewise, some hard days feel harder than other hard days.  Then, there are those times —although such seasons may be rare— when it may feel like you are down to nothing.  I have felt that way.  It creates the perfect environment for self-doubt to take residence in your thoughts.  If not careful, it will become a long-term inhabitant.  Fortunately in my case, I was not looking for such tenant.  The idea of living in fear versus the notion of wanting to be a blessing to others and to receive all of the blessings God has for me are not one in the same.  I became clear about that quickly.  (Thank God!)  In doing so, I was able to enjoy faith’s oxygen.  I was able to think clearly as well as appreciate the complexity and simplicity of my unique make-up.  My soul was able to rest assured, knowing that many things would come if I remain faithful to the few.  I just needed to continue to be faithful to the few, and do so with the wisdom and peace that only God’s grace provides.  I just needed to follow God’s instruction for my life, no matter how it may look or feel.  I just needed to remember God’s work, past and present.

My Christian family, don’t you want to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”?  Are you conscious of this desire?  Are you investing wisely the time, talents, and other resources that He is giving to you?  Are you doing what God has called you to do?

Listen, I am still learning.  I am still growing.  I am still making mistakes and falling short, but this I know and accept with certainty: I am the holder of talent.  It is in accordance to my ability.  It is to be multiplied.  It will continue to be. 

Remember, that lazy servant was conquered by fear.  He did not put his talent to work.  Don’t be like that.  Talent wasted.