A Marketplace Application of The Parable of The Talents

"FOR IT WILL BE LIKE A MAN GOING ON A JOURNEY, WHO CALLED HIS SERVANTS AND ENTRUSTED TO THEM HIS PROPERTY." — MATTHEW 25:14

"STEWARDSHIP IS THE ESSENCE OF FAITHFULLY MANAGING THE RESOURCES YOU'VE BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH." — JASON DAVIS

In Matthew 25, we see that the master (Jesus) distributes talents to the servants (us). A talent in those times equaled a significant amount of money. The talents were given "to each according to his ability." God knows exactly what we as His servants can handle and assigns accordingly. He knows our strengths, weaknesses, fears, and triumphs. We don't have to worry about a lack of ingenuity. He will lead, guide, and direct us. Whether a small business, franchise, or large national corporation, they are to be managed well by the steward.

There is no mention in scripture whether or not the servants knew each other or if they were aware of how the master was distributing the talents. This is very subtle, but we can't miss it. Don't worry about the gifts and talents given to others. We are fearfully and wonderfully made with our own unique calling. Be the best steward YOU can be. That's what the master expects. So many businesses fail because they spend too much time trying to be something they're not. Customers have a keen sense and can smell when a company isn't being authentic.

Staying with the Parable of the Talents, the servants who were given five and two talents knew their master well and wanted to get a return for him. However, the servant given the one talent dug a pit and hid his talent in the ground. Let's home in on this portion of scripture. The image the one talent servant had of the master was totally different from the five and two talent servants. He knew the master to "be a hard man."

Unfortunately, so many Christian business leaders treat God the same way. They view Him as a heartless taskmaster. This is far from the truth. Jesus said that "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Jesus IS the truth and spoke the truth in love. Abiding in the truth (Jesus) also means receiving the grace of God. Jesus stands at the door of man's heart and knocks steadfastly. Mankind must take a step of faith and receive God's grace. When you truly accept the grace and goodness of God, you act more like the five and two talent servants, not the "wicked and lazy" servant who squandered his talent.

When we manage our businesses and occupations well, we honor God. Much greater than obtaining money is how our heavenly Father sees us. When we are good stewards over what God has entrusted to us, we afford ourselves the opportunity to manage more (see Matthew 25:14-30). There's nothing better than being commended by the master on a job well done, having your responsibility increased, and entering into the joy of the Master. As unique vessels, we take our gifts and talents and carry innovation, creativity, and problem solving into the world economy.

This has been an excerpt from my book, "Fortify: Being Rooted in God's Plan For Work And Business." Find the book HERE and the companion workbook/journal HERE.

For more about integrating faith and business, listen to The Fortified Life Podcast HERE. Live Wednesday nights @ 8:30pm ET and On Demand (Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Spreaker).