“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” (Matt. 25:14-15).
I’m going to answer a question that many people have asked. Why do some people seem to have more than others? Well, the answer is found in chapter 25 of Matthew; this parable illustrates how the kingdom of heaven works.
Now, when I was growing up, they taught that a “talent” meant your physical ability; for example, if you can sing, you have a talent. Well, the reference in my Bible says a “talent” is worth $935.00. So Jesus is talking about money, honey.
Verse 15 says he gave according to the servant’s ability. As we read further, he rewards on the basis of stewardship. We have two things here: ability and stewardship.
You see some people can handle more responsibility then others. Now God is smart; He knows who can start out with five talents and He also knows who can’t handle all that cash at once. Nevertheless, God expects us to produce from whatever He gives us.
Notice, the servants who received the five talents and the two talents were productive. They took what God gave them and used them to produce more. Even though they didn’t start out equal, both were successful and had the same measure of success because they used what they had.
When the Lord of those servants came back, He wanted to see how they handled His money. The first two servants received the same reward. You see there was an expectation here; he expected success through productivity.
Now notice the third servant’s attitude. He was unwilling to use what he had. In other words, he said, “Lord, you are a hard man, so here’s what you gave me.” Well, the Lord’s reply wasn’t, “Thank you very much; I’m so glad you didn’t lose it.” NO! He called him a wicked and lazy servant.
Today, business exists because somebody put money out there. If there wasn’t any money, then there wouldn’t be any jobs. Obviously, the workers should reap because they do the work, but the investor is due a return also.
So the answer to your question is that God gives according to ability, and then rewards according to stewardship. God will promote you, but you must be willing to step up to the next level.
Scripture References: Matthew 25:14-31; 1 Corinthians 4:2
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).