The Parable of the Talents: The Importance of Cultivating God's Blessings - Geneva College
Geneva College shield
Blog search

The Parable of the Talents: The Importance of Cultivating God's Blessings

Picture of The Parable of the Talents: The Importance of Cultivating God's Blessings
Everyday Living

A font of wisdom, the Bible provides all the insight you need to live a fulfilling, Christ-centered life. Some of the most frequently forgotten parables offer some of the most crucial advice. The perfect example? The Parable of the Talents. When did you last examine this valuable story and apply its lessons to your daily life?

The Parable of the Talents

Appearing in the New Testament gospels of Matthew and Luke, the Parable of the Talents (sometimes referred to as the Parable of the Minas) highlights how seemingly ordinary individuals can make the most of blessings granted from God. The parable begins with a master entrusting 'talents' to his servants before setting out on a long journey. One servant receives five talents, another receives three, and the final is granted just one talent. Although today's scholars express some disagreement as to the exact meaning of 'talent' in this parable, all agree that it must be of significant worth — valuable gold or silver, for example.

Upon returning home, the master learns that the first and second servants used their talents to significantly increase the value of the property they were granted. They are rewarded accordingly. The third servant, however, buried his talent and did not enjoy the gains of his predecessor. When called on to account for his behavior, he claims that fear prevented him from embracing his talent. The master reprimands the third servant for being lazy, and casts him out.

What Does the Parable of the Talents Mean in Today's World?

Many lessons can be gleaned from the Parable of the Talents. Just as applicable today as it was thousands of years ago, this parable explains the role of opportunity, hard work, and accountability in our everyday life. A few key takeaways are outlined below:

We Must Put Our Talents into Action

First and foremost, the Parable of the Talents teaches us that we are put on Earth to work. This is evident not only in this particular parable, but in several other Bible stories. God rewards those who put considerable effort into bettering their lives and the lives of those in their community. He does not command us to bury our talents and sit back, awaiting salvation. Rather, we are commanded to use what we have to make the world a better place.

We Will Be Granted Exactly What We Need to Fulfill God's Bidding

In the Parable of the Talents, the servants were not equipped equally to carry out their master's wishes. All, however, were asked to use their talents to the best of their ability. Had the third servant (who received just one talent) made the most of what he received, he could have doubled his property, much like his counterparts. Yes, he would have ended with less than the other servants, but he'd still be more profitable in the long run. In turn, he would have received his master's gratitude.

The first and second servants also received unequal talents. The second servant, although often forgotten, may be the most intriguing figure in the parable. This person received just three talents, but put them to work all the same. He doubled his property and was praised extensively, just like the servant with an initial five talents.

Ultimately, it was not each servant's job to compare his talents to those of the others, but rather, to be grateful for and make the most what he did receive. The first servant may have initially been blessed with the most, but both he and his three-talent counterpart had exactly what they needed — and both received the same reward.

We Will Eventually Be Held Accountable

Hiding out sometimes seems like the most prudent approach, especially in today's terrifying world. We've all been the third servant at some point. How often have you failed to speak up for somebody who is hurting, instead choosing to keep quiet? Have you spared yourself the hard work of sharing God's word? Sometimes, it feels like you can get away with such behavior with little consequence — but that's exactly what the third servant thought. In reality, you will someday be held accountable for your contributions, or lack thereof.

Like the first and second servant, we should recognize the opportunities we receive, and make the most of them. Even seemingly small blessings can make a big difference when properly handled.

Add the Parable of the Talents to your reading list. Reflect on how its lessons can make a difference for you and those you love most. This parable could have a transformative impact on your adherence to God's word, and how you apply your unique blessings to daily life.

If you’d like to learn more about professions that enable you to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in your life’s work or want to learn more about a Bible-based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to introduce you to Christian perspectives at work in any field of study. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your ministry goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email web@geneva.edu.

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Apr 13, 2018

Request Information

Learn more about Geneva College.

Have questions? Call us at 724-847-6505.

Loading...
Geneva College Pro Christo Et Patria

© Geneva College | All rights reserved