Written by Kat W., Co-Host of IAM Young & Brave
The past two weeks that I’ve been studying at school, I feel that God has been reminding me of why He brought me here and the importance and urgency of using our gifts for His kingdom and glory.
I believe that God gave each of us gifts and talents from the moment that He first thought of us (Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:16). God doesn’t make mistakes and what He makes and does is always good. Today I want encourage you to think and answer honestly to the questions I will be asking throughout this devotional.
Stop and read Matthew 25:14-30
The first question: Are you investing your talents on time? In the parable the master entrusted his servants for a long time with his property. What they did with that time was vital to please and honor their master.
God has given you a talent, a gift of some kind. Whether it be music, intercession, art, writing, sports, teaching, etc. The time you have is now, and it’s your choice of what you are going to do to with your talents and gifts. When God gives you a talent, he expects you to use it. It’s like a muscle. If you use it, it will grow. If you don’t, you will lose it. If you have a talent but are afraid to use it, or if you get lazy and don’t use it, you’re going to lose it. But if you use your talents wisely, God will give you more.
My second question: Are you investing your talents at a high standard? In the parable the first two servants took what their master gave them and invested those talents with the expectation of getting more. The other servant let fear control his investment.
I know and have met so many people, young and old, that have neglected their talent. I admit that I’ve even done it; I was fearful like that servant in the parable. I didn’t know if I was good enough or smart enough to fulfill and grow in my gifts. It was when I realized that the only reason I have these gifts and talents is because God gave them to me, and that I should steward them to His standard. Why wouldn’t I want to use my gifts for His kingdom and glory?
Do not give into fear anymore! Make the choice today to say yes to God’s standards. You may fail in the process, but we all do, we live in a fallen, broken world. It’s okay to fail, but we need to have the mindset to not be driven by people’s praise and not be slowed down by people’s criticism. We are driven by the passion and zeal God put in our hearts.
Walk it out:
How are you going to steward your talents?
1. Go somewhere quiet and reflect on the three servants, the opportunity and time they had. They had a chance to create something of value and the blessing that would come out of that. Think about yourself and the talents and gifts God has given you.
2. How are you taking advantage of the time and opportunity God has given you?
3. Make the decision: Are you going to choose to live courageously or fearfully?