Basic HTML Version
The Talent of Money, April 22
Improving My Talents
He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which
soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man
according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2
Corinthians 9:6, 7
In the parable of the talents we have two classes brought to view.
One class is represented by the diligent servant, and the other by the
wicked and slothful servant. They had both been entrusted with their
Lord’s money. One went to work with earnestness, seeking opportunities
to use his entrusted gift in such a way that others would be blessed and
benefited. He does not live simply to please himself, to gratify selfish
desires, to delight in pleasure parties and in places of amusement, seeking
for gratification of his fleshly lusts, as though this were the object of life;
but he thinks soberly, and remembers that his religious life is short.
It is God who gives men power to get wealth, and He has bestowed
this ability, not as a means of gratifying self, but as a means of returning
to God His own. With this object it is not a sin to acquire means. Money
is to be earned by labor. Every youth should be trained to habits of
industry. The Bible condemns no man for being rich if he has acquired
his riches honestly.... Wealth will prove a blessing if we regard it as the
Lord’s, to be received with thankfulness and with thankfulness returned
to the Giver.
Money has great value, because it can do great good. In the hands of
God’s children it is food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, and clothing
for the naked. It is a defense for the oppressed and a means of help to the
sick. But money is of no more value than sand, only as it is put to use in
providing for the necessities of life, in blessing others, and advancing
the cause of Christ.
[117]
121