Matthew 25:14-18 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. In the same way the man with two earned two more. But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.”
America has been given much. What are we doing to steward and multiply what we have been given? We have been given salvation through Jesus Christ. We are gifted with hope, peace and victory through the blood of Jesus, and that gift needs to be multiplied. God has entrusted us to the people around us, His possessions. (Matthew 25:14)
Often, we think that the responsibility belongs only to pastors and evangelists, but that’s not true. We have all been given spiritual gifts as ambassadors of Christ. The Church, God’s people, have been individually gifted spiritually with talents and skills that when we unite together make up the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12) Without one body part, we lose our functionality. It takes all of us to do our part, unified, in spreading the Gospel with our gifts for us to become increasingly fruitful in multiplying God’s Kingdom—making heaven more crowded.
Do not be afraid or ashamed of the name of Jesus, but as Joshua 1:9 says “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” God prepares the way and gives us opportunities to shine His light to bring hope to others. It’s our job to seize the opportunity by stepping out of our comfort zone in faith to obey God’s promptings.
Are we multiplying what God has entrusted us with? If He has given us spiritual gifts, which He has, are we using our gifts to spread the Gospel of Jesus to others? It’s like the person who pays for your order in the drive-thru. It keeps multiplying car after next, bringing joy to the whole line of people until that one person hoards the gift and doesn’t multiply it.
To those He has given much and has multiplied He will give more, bringing an abundance of joy. I get the most joy when I step out in obedience to God’s small promptings, bringing hope to others and glory to God. To those hoarding His gifts, He will take away what He has and give it to the one with much.
He is trusting us to steward well what He has given us for His glory. Maybe the joy you are searching for and missing is gone because you are hoarding His gifts. God is tugging at your heart to go love someone, but your comfort is getting in the way. You reason why it’s not good timing or that you don’t want to step in the middle of something, but deep down you know God called you right now to shine His light. Do not hoard the gift. Now’s your chance to make a difference. Now’s your time to obey.
Remember the next time you are prompted by God, to step out of your comfort zone, that the person with which He has entrusted you may be on the verge of losing hope or about to end their own life. This may put into perspective what truly is important at the moment. Use the gifts to produce much fruit for others. Advance His Kingdom with good works and much faith. Salvation is a free gift meant to be shared with everyone, and we are the tool in which He chooses to share it. Honor God with your gifts and talents. Jesus is coming back to check on you, collect all you have multiplied and give you more according to your abilities.
It’s time to decide to unite together as the body of Christ in spreading the Gospel. We have to take a step out of our comfort and into the unknown to move forward in the Kingdom calling to multiply what God has entrusted us with. Let’s step out of comfort and into the calling. It doesn’t stop at salvation. Salvation is the gift, and it’s our job to spread it. Let’s get to work!
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”—Mark 16:15