Reformation Lutheran 1997 Lenten Devotional - Number 29
March 12, 1997. Today's Bible verse is Matthew 25:14-40
Use Our Talents
Jesus' parables teaches us that we are all given
talents and are expected to use them to the fullness of our ability.
Our talents represent any kind of resource we are given. God
gives us time, gifts, and other resources according to our abilities,
and he expects us to invest them wisely until he returns. We
are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue
is not how much we have, but how well we use what we have. This
parable describes the consequences of two attitudes to Christ's
return. The person who diligently prepares for it by investing
their time and talent to serve God will be rewarded. The person
who has no heart for the work of the church will not receive favorable
recognition by God.
God will separate the faithful followers from pretenders
and unbelievers. The real evidence of our belief is the way we
act. To treat all persons we encounter as if they are Jesus is
no easy task. What we do for others demonstrates what we really
think about Jesus' words to us "feed the hungry, give the
homeless a place to stay, visit the sick." Are our action
Christ like? Our actions need not depend on great wealth, ability
or intelligence. They need be simple acts, freely given and freely
received. We have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs,
and we cannot hand over this responsibility to the church or government.
Jesus demands our personal involvement in caring for others.
We should love every person and serve anyone we can. Such love
for others is letting God's love for us shine through us.
Prayer: Dear
Lord, heavenly Father, help us to use our time, talents and treasure
for the betterment of everyone touched by our lives. You have
given us much. Of each much is expected. Help us extend beyond
caring about ourselves and become more involved in the needs of
others. Only then will we be following the lessons and examples
given by Jesus. Amen.
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