Our Talents

1 Peter 4:10-11b

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified,”

Reflections

Our gifts and talents are given by God and are meant to be used in service to one another so that He may be glorified. In Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus tells the parable of a master who entrusts his servants with talents—resources for which they will give an account upon his return. Two of the servants invest what they were given and are praised. The master increases their responsibility and welcomes them into his joy (v. 21). But the third servant hides his talent out of fear. The master calls him wicked and lazy, removing even the little he was given (vv. 28–29).

Let’s draw out three practical truths from this parable as we consider how to live with purpose in our personal journeys:

First Truth: We are not our own.
Merriam-Webster defines a servant as a person who serves others. We are servants—redeemed and bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20). Jesus paid dearly for our salvation, offering it freely to all who believe (John 3:16). Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Trauma can blind us to this truth. We can lose sight of God’s goodness and forget our place in His care. But we belong to Him—and He cares for His own.

Second Truth: Without God, we have nothing good (Ps. 16:2).
Every good thing in our lives comes from God (James 1:17). Even our salvation is a gift from Him, not a result of our works (Eph. 2:8–9). In Matthew 25, the talents weren’t earned—they were entrusted to the servants by the master. Likewise, all we have—our education, skills, abilities, family, job, or even our life experiences—are gifts from God. And yes, that includes our pain and trauma. What others meant for harm, God can use for good (Gen. 50:20).

Third Truth: God expects us to use the gifts He’s given—not to squander them (Luke 12:48).
In Matthew 5:15–16, Jesus says we should not hide our light but let it shine so others may see and glorify God. Do you have musical ability? Perhaps you could sing hymns at a local nursing home. Are you good at cleaning? Maybe a single mom nearby could use your help. Have you walked through trauma? Could your testimony of God’s faithfulness bring hope to someone else in pain?

God doesn’t expect perfection—He expects surrender.

Will you take time to consider your gifts and how you’re using them in service to others for the glory of God?

Prayer

Lord, help me remember that my purpose is to glorify You. Examine my heart and purify my motives. Keep who You are at the forefront of my mind so that I can clearly see who I am in You. Help me to serve You daily with my whole heart—not for recognition or praise, but so that Your name may be lifted high in everything I do.