The man gave his servants different amounts according to their ability to produce. It's important to note that God knows your ability, and He expects you to produce at that level, not at a part or fraction of your ability.
The local church needs volunteers in every area, and we all have something to contribute. Many believers ask, "How can I get involved?" But most of them don't really want to work in the church. They want the pastor to give them a position - a position means prestige. But it's the people who have been involved and have been faithful that pastors put in leadership positions, because pastors can depend on them to use their talents for God.
Many people have talents, but they're not dependable. For example, they might sign up to volunteer, but they show up when they want to. If something else comes up that they feel is more important than serving as an usher, a nursery worker, or choir member, they do that instead. They think the volunteer job just doesn't amount to anything. Then they wonder why they're not receiving the things they're believing God for. God only rewards those who are faithful.
In the natural, how long do you think you would be employed if you only showed up when you wanted to? Not very long, I assure you. You see, employers reward faithfulness too. Since you're employed to do a job, you receive a paycheck. But if you produce above and beyond your job description, sometimes you get a bonus or a day off with pay as a reward for your faithfulness.
Well, your payday from God might not come after you've been faithful for just two or three weeks. But you will eventually reap rewards for your diligence and faithfulness. It works that way in every area of life.
Commitment and church involvement are biblical principles that pay rich dividends. Yet in many churches you see the same people volunteering all the time. Do you think they always want to minister to the needs of others? The answer is no. But they're committed to something that is more important than yielding to their flesh. They're committed to serving the Lord.
God doesn't want benchwarmers; He wants people to be involved. Many believers have talents they've never used - they've hidden them.
Other believers cry, "Oh, I want to do something for the Lord." When you tell them that the local church is full of ministry opportunities, they say, "Oh, that's not what I'm talking about." I've found that people do what they want to do. If they want to get involved, they do. If they don't want to get involved, they always have an excuse.
Did you know that God is not interested in excuses? If you don't believe that, just read about the children of Israel. They came up with all kinds of excuses for why they weren't serving the Lord, but their excuses didn't cut it with God!
You know, some people holler, "Bless me, Lord," but they haven't done anything for Him to bless! The Lord said that He would bless whatever you put your hand to (Deut. 12:7). If you want to receive the blessings of God, then be faithful, committed, and involved.
The parable of the talents shows us that God is not pleased when we don't get involved. God is highly gratified when we put our talents to work in His Kingdom, and He will reward us!
You have talents that can be used to minister to the Body of Christ, so don't hide them! If you've buried them, dig them up, and be about your Father's business!
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications
Kenneth W. Hagin, President of Kenneth Hagin Ministries and pastor of RHEMA Bible Church, ministers around the world. Known for calling the Body of Christ to steadfast faith, he seizes every ministry opportunity to impart an attitude of “I cannot be defeated, and I will not quit.”
