Talents
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The case of Daniel has a lesson for us. It reveals the fact that
a businessman is not necessarily a sharp, policy man. He can be
instructed by God at every step. Daniel, while prime minister of the
kingdom of Babylon, was a prophet of God, receiving the light of
heavenly inspiration. Worldly, ambitious statesmen are represented
in the word of God as the grass that groweth up and as the flower
of the grass that fadeth. Yet the Lord desires to have in His service
intelligent men, men qualified for various lines of work. There is
need of businessmen who will weave the grand principles of truth
into all their transactions. And their talents should be perfected by
most thorough study and training. If men in any line of work need to
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improve their opportunities to become wise and efficient, it is those
who are using their ability in building up the kingdom of God in our
world. Of Daniel we learn that in all his business transactions, when
subjected to the closest scrutiny, not one fault or error could be found.
He was a sample of what every businessman may be. His history
shows what may be accomplished by one who consecrates the strength
of brain and bone and muscle, of heart and life, to the service of God.
Money
God also entrusts men with means. He gives them power to get
wealth. He waters the earth with the dews of heaven and with the
showers of refreshing rain. He gives the sunlight, which warms the
earth, awakening to life the things of nature and causing them to
flourish and bear fruit. And He asks for a return of His own.
Our money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify
ourselves. As faithful stewards we are to use it for the honor and
glory of God. Some think that only a portion of their means is the
Lord’s. When they have set apart a portion for religious and charitable
purposes, they regard the remainder as their own, to be used as they
see fit. But in this they mistake. All we possess is the Lord’s, and
we are accountable to Him for the use we make of it. In the use of
every penny, it will be seen whether we love God supremely and our
neighbor as ourselves.
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