The Journey & The Grind

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) is one of the many profound teachings of Jesus Christ. It offers timeless wisdom on stewardship, responsibility, and the rewards of diligence. What lessons can we take from this story to apply to our everyday lives? Let’s explore its practical applications.

OVERVIEW OF THE PARABLE

The Parable of the Talents tells the story of a master, before leaving on a journey, he entrusts his property to three servants. He gives one servant five talents, another two, and the last one talent, distributing them according to their abilities. The first two servants invest their talents and double their amounts. However, the third servant, fearing his master, buries his talent in the ground.

After a long time, the master returns and asks for an account of what they have done. The first and second servants show their doubled earnings. The master commends them. He rewards them with greater responsibilities and invites them to share in his joy. The third servant, nevertheless, returns only the original talent, explaining that he was afraid and chose to hide it.

The master rebukes him for his laziness and poor judgment. He states that he should have at least invested the money to earn interest. He then takes the talent from him and gives it to the servant who has ten. The master declares that those who use what they have will receive more. Those who do nothing will lose even what they have. Finally, he casts the unproductive servant into the outer darkness, where there is sorrow and regret.

LESSONS TO CONSIDER

1. If You Don’t Use It, You Lose It

This principle applies universally, whether it’s money, health, relationships, or skills. Anything left stagnant deteriorates over time.

Financial Lesson: Imagine a man who earns $100 and hides it under his mattress for 10 years. Due to inflation, its value decreases, and he ultimately loses purchasing power. Had he invested it wisely, it could have grown significantly.

Health Lesson: If a person avoids exercise, their muscles will weaken. They may think they are “saving their energy” for later years. Yet, they lose mobility over time. Regular physical activity, nonetheless, would preserve their strength and vitality.

Like the two productive servants, we must make the most of what we have. Invest in developing your skills, relationships, and career. The rewards of consistent effort are undeniable.

Example: If you love baking, don’t just keep it as a hobby. Start a small home-based bakery, refine your recipes, and market your products. With time and effort, you could grow it into a thriving business.

2. Fear is the Enemy of Progress

The third servant was paralyzed by fear. Fear of failure, fear of displeasing his master, and fear of taking risks. Fear often holds us back from opportunities that could transform our lives.

Many people hesitate to start a business because they fear financial loss.

Some avoid public speaking due to fear of judgment.

Others never apply for better jobs because they fear rejection.

Instead of letting fear dictate your choices, take calculated risks, equip yourself with knowledge, and step out in faith.

Example: A man considering investing in stocks hesitates out of fear, so he leaves his savings in a low-interest account. Meanwhile, his friend educates herself on investment strategies, starts small, and gradually builds wealth over time.

3. Opportunities Are Meant to Be Multiplied

The master expected his servants to grow what they had. Life isn’t just about maintaining; it’s about expanding and improving.

If you have a good relationship, work on making it great.

If you’re good at your job, strive to become the best.

If you earn a stable salary, consider creating extra income streams.

Example: A corporate employee skilled in digital marketing could start freelancing part-time. Over time, this side hustle could evolve into a full-fledged business, providing financial independence.

4. We Are All Accountable for Our Choices

At the end of the parable, the master holds each servant accountable for how they used their talents. Similarly, in life, we are responsible for how we use our time, resources, and abilities. Excuses don’t change outcomes, our actions do.

Motivational speaker Les Brown once said, “The richest place on earth is the graveyard. This is where you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.” Don’t let your potential go to waste.

5. Diligence Leads to Greater Opportunities

The two servants who worked hard were rewarded with more responsibilities and greater joy. Hard work and persistence open doors to new possibilities. Sometimes it may seem like the people that have it all keeps getting more. The reality is that they make use of the opportunities they are given and are rewarded in kind. Those who diligently use the little they have are trusted with more.

6. Wasted Potential Has Consequences

The third servant not only lost his talent but was also cast out. When we fail to use what we’ve been given, we run the risk of jeopardizing the prosperity of future generations. On the contrary, someone who seizes the opportunities given sets a solid foundation for themselves. This foundation benefits their children and their children’s children.

Example: Two factory workers are laid off and receive severance pay. One spends it on short-term pleasures, while the other invests in starting a farm. A few years later, their financial situations look drastically different.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Talents powerfully reminds us that we are all stewards of the gifts. We also have opportunities given to us. We should not bury our talents in fear or complacency. Instead, we should use them wisely. We should take calculated risks and strive to make an impact.

When we embrace responsibility, invest in ourselves, and remain diligent, we experience personal growth and positively influence those around us. Your talents are not meant to be hidden, they are meant to shine.