The parable of the talents opens with a man planning to go on a journey. In preparation, he makes the unusual decision to entrust his money, or “talents,” to his servants. He distributes the talents just before leaving, giving each servant a different amount. In scripture, it says, “To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away” (Matthew 25:14-15, ESV).
This is an interesting and layered story, but the main theme points to self-assessment. “I’m giving you a chance to express your heart in a tangible way,” the master is saying. “During this time, you won’t just be a servant who is doing what he is told. You have free reign; find a good use for this money, and bring the results to me when I return.”
The master of the house wants to find out who his servants are, not as servants but as people and as stewards of his home. “Are they merely placeholders,” he wonders, “or do they understand they are valuable members of this household?” He knows that giving them control over his assets will reveal the answer.
More than just caretaking, stewardship is about maximizing what God has given us. Our talents, skills, spiritual gifts, money, possessions, time and opportunities can be multiplied many times over when driven by the Holy Spirit, unselfishness and intentional living. In the parable, the two servants who have doubled what the master gave them are rewarded, but the third servant, who buries his one talent then makes excuses, is dealt with harshly.
As a modern example, we might ask, “What about the people stuck in poverty who never get a break? And how about my situation? I’m struggling and finding it hard to give anything, including my time.” God’s reply is the same as it was to the servant who was only given one talent. “Don’t devalue what I have given you, no matter how small. Find a way to multiply what you have. I’m looking at the intent of your heart.”
Jesus emphasized this point throughout his teachings. We are to understand that our lives, no matter how insignificant to us, have enormous value to him, and we are to live with that at the front of our minds. The entirety of our lives is entrusted into our care so that we may serve others and bring glory to God.