It would be hard to find a more classic, biblical example of the use and, yes, the misuse of capital than what this Scripture provides. To be sure, the underlying principle here is a spiritual one; however, Jesus again and again uses financial principles throughout the Gospels to illustrate the spiritual.
Commonly called the Parable of the Talents (talents being the term used by the King James translators, or “bags of silver” by more modern translators), this week’s devotional could just as easily be called the Parable of Capitalism.
The following are two difficult realities within a free market economy:
- Life is not fair. We are not all given the same “talents”, treasure, gifts, mental aptitude, or opportunities in this life. There are people for whom Christ died in third world countries that are vastly smarter than the writer of this course, but they have not been given the same opportunities that the writer has been given. That isn’t fair, but it is reality.
- We have a responsibility to take the “talents”, treasure, gifts, mental aptitude, and opportunities that we have been given, and do our very best to multiply them to the glory of God . . . without whining, resentment, envy, or excuses.
The lesson here is two-fold: take what God has given you, be it a little or a lot, and maximize His gifts to their fullest potential, and “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance.” Invest wisely, and you will reap the rewards, spiritually and financially. Unfortunately, results of the fearful side of human nature are also forecast. “But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” Sit around and watch television all evening, spend everything you earn, simply live for today, and you’ll end up with nothing, spiritually or financially.
Both economically and spiritually we are not to hoard but are to put our money and spiritual gifts to work. Do not heed the prophets of doom and gloom that warn us to hoard and hide. Plan and practice as though Jesus is not returning for at least another 2000 years, but live as though He is returning today!
How do your financial decisions impact your spiritual growth?
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