In the book of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 14-24 we can read the parable of the talents. In this parable one individual received five talents, another two and another one. Some may question whether the distribution of the talents given these individuals was just since there was unequal distribution. In this parable, verse 15 says “to every man according to his ability.” This was an exhibition of divine economy. Each man received all that he was competent to use. In other words, they only received what they could handle.
How did the servants use the talents that were given them? We read where the one that had five gained five more. The one that had two gained two more and the one that had one buried it and gained nothing more. When the man returned to find how his servants used their talents we read where the five and two talent men were blessed because they put their talents to use and gained more. But the man who buried his only talent was cursed.
What lessons can we learn from this parable? First of all the Lord fully expects every man to act in His service according to his ability. God never expects us to do more than we can do, but He certainly expects us to do the best we can with what we have. Secondly, limited talent is no excuse for not doing the Lord’s service. Each of us has some talent and that talent should be used for the Lord. Finally, we will be rewarded according to our faithfulness and not according to the results. God expects Christians to plant the seed and do the watering. When we do that, then we give God the opportunity to increase.
In James 1:1-12 we read how if we persevere under trials and tribulations that we will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those that love Him. In Hebrews we read that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Yes, it takes a special person, one that really believes in God to be faithful under all circumstances of life. James tells us in verse 2 to "consider it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials". Why joy? Because when our faith is tested it produces endurance. If we overcome today’s trial, then tomorrow's trial will be easier to overcome and our faith will get stronger day by day!
We read also that if we are lacking wisdom then we should ask God for it because "God gives to all men generously and without reproach" (verse 5). But, we must ask in total faith without wavering because if we waiver or doubt that God will give us what we ask for then He will not. "For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways" (verse 7-8). We are also told that the "brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position; and let the rich man glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away" (verse 9-10). The humble will be blessed and the rich will fade away, he and his beauty! Our faith is tested each and every day and the one that perseveres under these tests or trials will receive the crown of life promised by God.
