The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 is one of Jesus' most powerful stories about stewardship and responsibility. While many interpret this parable as about financial responsibility or a healthy fear of the Lord, the main point Jesus is making is that we spend our time, resources, and God-given gifts to further His kingdom.

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the story of a master who entrusts his property to three servants before going on a journey. He gives five talents to one servant, two to another, and one to the third - each according to their ability. A talent was equivalent to about a year's wages, making it a significant sum.

The first two servants invest their talents and double their master's money. When the master returns, he praises them, saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over little, and I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."
However, the third servant, fearing his master, buries his talent to keep it safe. When confronted, the master calls him "wicked and slothful" and takes away his talent, giving it to the servant who had ten.

Why Do We Hide Our Faith?
The third servant's response reveals a dangerous tendency in Christianity - the idea that we should hide our faith or keep it private. This servant thought the worst thing he could do was lose what was entrusted to him, so he buried it for safekeeping.

Many Christians today operate with this same mindset. We think faith should be private and shouldn't be discussed openly. This often comes from an overreaction to obnoxious Christians who have used faith as a weapon rather than a tool of love. But the truth is clear: we do not have a private faith. God has entrusted us with the gospel, and we're called to be good stewards of that trust.

How Are You Using Your Spiritual Gifts?
Scripture makes it clear that when you have the Holy Spirit living inside you, you receive spiritual gifts. These aren't just talents like music or cooking - though those can certainly be used for God's glory. Spiritual gifts include things like mercy, compassion, wisdom, and encouragement.

God has created each person with an intentional purpose. You are not just another number among the 8 billion people on this planet. You are designed and loved by the God of the universe, and He has a specific plan for your life.

Discovering Your Purpose
If you're unsure what God has designed you to do, start by praying. Ask God to show you what He's made you for. Then ask people in your life - both those who know you well and those who don't - what they see as your natural strengths that bring glory to God.
Pay attention to what people come to you for. Do they seek your advice? Your help with practical matters? Your wisdom about Scripture? These patterns often reveal your God-given gifts and calling.

This parable reveals an urgency we all must have. Jesus is saying He's going away for a while, but He'll be back. When He returns, He expects an account of what we did with the gospel He entrusted to us. Did we spread it? Did we double it? Or did we bury it to keep it safe?

Sunday Morning Isn't Primarily for the Unsaved
While non-believers are always welcome in church, Sunday mornings are primarily for believers to worship together, take communion, and build each other up. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 doesn't say "ministers go and make disciples" - it says "therefore, go make disciples of all nations."

This command is for every follower of Jesus Christ. We gather on Sundays to be equipped and strengthened so we can go out and evangelize during the week.

We Have Hope - Others Don't
As believers, we have access to truth, the Father, and assurance of eternal life. In one word: hope. This hope goes beyond getting through bad days - it's the security that even if we lost everything, we would still be okay because we have God.

We have hope because God stepped down from glory, put on flesh, lived a perfect life, died the death we deserved, and rose again. This gives us peace that surpasses understanding and security that nothing can shake.

But there are people everywhere - in our offices, families, schools, and grocery stores - who don't have this hope. They're living in fear, not knowing what happens after this life. And we know what will help them.

Evangelism Is Love
Penn Jillette, the famous atheist magician, once said, "How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize to them? How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell him or her that?"
Evangelism isn't just a command from God - it's an act of love for our neighbors. We don't wait for people to come to church; we go to them where they are.

Consider R.D. Savea, a professional rugby player from New Zealand. He uses his athletic platform to glorify God, wearing shirts with Christian messages to events and ending every interview with a prayer. He doesn't wait for people to come to church - he brings the gospel to places that are often hostile to Christianity.

God has given each of us a platform, whether it's in sports, business, education, or simply within our circle of family and friends. The question is: are we using it to further His kingdom?

This week presents a unique opportunity, especially during the holiday season when you'll gather with family and friends you haven't seen in a while. Some of these people you know are lost and don't have the hope that comes from knowing Jesus.

Your challenge is twofold: First, share the gospel with them. Yes, it might be awkward, but asking someone who follows Jesus not to talk about Jesus is like asking a football player not to talk about football. Show them love through your actions - offer to help with dishes, cleaning, or other needs. But don't stop there - genuinely engage with them and share the hope you have.

Second, discover what God has created you for if you don't already know. Lean into the gifts He's given you. Use whatever influence you have to further His kingdom. We all have a sphere of influence - people we can reach that others cannot.

The goal isn't to build our own kingdom, but to build God's kingdom. We want heaven to be crowded, and that starts with being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

Questions for Reflection:

• What gifts has God given you that you might be "burying" instead of using for His kingdom?
• Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear the gospel, and how can you reach them this week?
• Are you living with the urgency that Jesus will return and ask for an account of how you used what He gave you?
• What fears are holding you back from sharing your faith, and how can you overcome them with God's help?