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More Gifts: More Responsibility, July 21
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who
called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto
one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every
man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Matthew 25:14, 15
.
To every man is given his work. One man may not be able to do the work
for which another man has been trained and educated. But the work of every
man must begin at the heart, not resting in a theory of the truth. The work
of him who surrenders the soul to God and cooperates with divine agencies
will reveal an able, wise workman, who discerns how to adapt himself to the
situation. The root must be holy, or there will be no holy fruit. All are to be
workers together with God. Self must not become prominent. The Lord has
entrusted talents and capabilities to every individual, and those who are most
highly favored with opportunities and privileges to hear the Spirit’s voice are
under the heaviest responsibility to God.
Those who are represented as having but one talent have also their work
to do. By trading, not with pounds, but with pence, they are diligently to
employ their ability, determined not to fail nor be discouraged. They are
to ask in faith, and depend upon the Holy Spirit to work upon unbelieving
hearts. If they depend upon their own capabilities, they will fail. Those who
faithfully trade upon the one talent will hear the gracious commendations
spoken to them with as much heartiness as to those who have been gifted
with many talents, and who have wisely improved them, “Well done, thou
good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will
make thee ruler over many things” (
Matthew 25:21
).
It is the spirit of humility in which the work is done which God regards.
He who had but one talent had an influence to exert, and his work was needed.
In perfecting his own character, in learning in the school of Christ, he was
exerting an influence that helped to perfect the character of those who had
larger responsibilities, who were in danger of building themselves up, and of
neglecting some important little things, which that faithful man with his one
talent was regarding with diligent care.—
Notebook Leaflets, vol. 1, 129, 130
.
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