Abilities, skills or talent, or the lack of (opportunity to use) them, appear to dominate aspects of public life. Some parliamentarians are said to lack the necessary abilities to lead their political parties or the country, while certain sporting figures or teams are said to lack the requisite skills to win trophies or titles. Conversely, others in politics argue that they are being denied the opportunity to use their abilities to run their own affairs.

In today’s Scripture reading we see Jesus discussing the issue of ‘talents’, how they ought to be used, and the possible rewards for using them. 

This week's news 

Some MPs within the Labour Party are questioning Ed Miliband’s ability to lead them to victory in next year’s General Election. 

Arsenal boss, Arsène Wenger, rules out his own football team’s chances of winning the Premier League, after another dismal performance from his talent-less defenders. 

At the CBI conference, business leaders and politicians discuss Europe, and Britain’s ability to run its affairs.

Catalans vote overwhelmingly for the capacity to govern themselves. 

Reflection

Since time immemorial, scholars have debated how human beings can best utilise their God-given talents. It is often said that everyone is born with a particular talent or skill; the key is finding out what this is; and honing it so that it comes to full fruition. 

While we may all have a talent, it appears that God has doled out these talents unequally. We probably know those who are ‘born’ with what seems a God-given talent to play an instrument or a sport, or for artistic or creative pursuits. At times this can appear unfair, especially if we struggle to grasp the basics of certain techniques or ideas, only to see our gifted peers master them with what appears a modicum of effort. 

While we may know a super-gifted person, for whom it all comes so easy, we may also know (of) individuals who have squandered their innate talents because they lacked the application or dedication to use them correctly. 

Today’s passage of Scripture, often known as the ‘parable of the talents’, explores this topic from a counter-cultural perspective. While the talents are distributed according to ability, the issue is arguably not about the amount one receives, but how they are used. 

Equally, we read that the master gave the talents to the servants for his benefit – rather than theirs. Anything they accrued went back to the master – the servants were subsequently rewarded or punished for the way they handled what was loaned to them. Moreover, it can be also argued that ‘talents’ are given or loaned on a ‘use or lose’ basis.

While it is the case that ‘everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required’; it is also true that ‘something’ is required from those who have been given a smidgen of talent or skill. For Christians, this equality of expectations means that we have a responsibility to use our talents for God’s glory and the betterment of others. 

Prayer

This prayer could be used at the end of a service.

Creator God,

we praise you for our wonderful world, which you fashioned from nought,

and the beautiful people who are made in your image, 

and who mirror the beauty of your handiwork. 

We thank you for your capacity to bring hope and change 

to situations where there are none,

and for the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who gave up everything to save us.

May we use the gifts you give us to glorify your name 

and to bring about real transformation where it is needed most.

This we ask in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Questions

• If it is true that ‘talent’ alone will get a person only so far, what else does that individual need to reach his or her full potential?
• How can we ensure that we do not waste our God-given talents?

Action

We tend to revere those people who use their God-given talents for the betterment of others rather than for their own rewards. Over the coming week, identify ways in which you can use one of your skills to help someone in need in your church or the local community.

Young People

Identify ways in which you can empower your peers to nurture, and then use their talents to help others.

Richard Reddie is a writer and cultural commentator. His most recent book, Martin Luther King Jr: History Maker, is published by Lion Hudson. He is a Warden at St James Church (CofE), West Streatham, London.