Thoughts: Hannah's Blog

Last Sunday I heard the oft-heard story of the ten minas (minas is a form of currency like dollars or rupees) and the Master who gave those to his servants (Luke 19:11-27)In short, a Master called 10 of his servants and gave them one mina each before going on a long journey. He came back and asked them for accounts, one said he earned 10 more, another said he earned five more, and another said I was afraid and so I hid it. The Master was angry with the last one as he didn’t use what was given to him. It was about how we spend our talents. In the midst of our busy-busy, hurry-burry days, let us take a few minutes and analyze where we are.

How does these verses relate to the parable in Luke 19? Let us break it down.

2)      WHATEVER gift he has RECEIVED – Some may say “I don’t have any talents!” but that is wrong. No one is without a gift and no gift is insignificant. A gift is a gift no matter big or small! Even if we are given one talent God would hold us accountable for what we did with that one talent. We can’t say “God you gave me only one so I hid it. If you had given me 2, I’d have made it into 5 or even 10!”  To such a person, God would say, first do what you have and see whether I will not open the doors of heaven for you and give you more than you can ever ask or imagine. If we are faithful in the little things that God expects us to do, he would eventually give us more. (Luke 19:24 to 26 – The talent was given to one who already had 10).

We have already received it and received it freely so let us  give it freely. Let us not grumble about

what we don’t have or start suggesting to God which would be better, He knows what is best for us and He knows where to put us! We can look at Paul’s example for that, He was a Pharisee and knew all about Jewish laws, after his conversion he would have been able to convince the other Jews easily but God wanted him to share the gospel with the gentiles. God has his own agenda. So let us do what we can do with what He has given us at the place where He has placed us. We have received this gift, If we have not opened the package yet to know what are the things God has given us, it is high-time that we open it now before it is too late! Let us not be like the foolish servant to wait till the Master arrives! (Luke 19:20)

3)      To SERVE OTHERS – I feel that this is the most important part. That gift was given to us but not for our own use or our own benefit but for the sake of others! Whatever gifts that we have, as long as we think that we can use it for our own gain or profit, we never gain anything by it. It won’t be of use to us in any way. There would be nothing in it for us when we think of our selfish gains, we might even end up losing it or to thinking that we have lost it! May sound upside-down, “why was I given this gift, if it was not for me?” well I think that’s the Christian beauty of it. We need to give, before we receive. We need to serve before we lead. Luke 9:48 and John13:14

4)      So that in all things GOD MAYBE PRAISED – “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31 And that should be our ultimate goal – to glorify God, that was one of the reasons why we were created (John17:4) It is God’s purpose for each one of us. Of course,  God has a special plan that is unique for each of us. But the end that  we strive towards is to bring glory to God. To glorify His name so that His purpose in our lives be fulfilled.

So, what do we do now? What would be our plan of action?

o   Pray and ask God to show what are the gifts he has given you – Make a list (Each person is given gifts according to His grace in different measures)

o   Against each item in the list, think of how that gift can be made useful to others? Am I doing it already? If not how shall I start? For example in these verses Peter mentions about

§  Showing our love for others – in little ways by a simple smile, a phone call inquiring after someone, remembering someone’s birthday and wishing them, showing others that you care for them, the list could go on.

§  Hospitality

§  Speaking – so as to encourage others or to build up their faith

§  Serving others – it could be anything to help others out like listening to others when they tell of their troubles – you don’t necessarily have to go out and solve their problems but sometimes even lending our ear would be useful for them, think of other such things

o   Finally, Consider whether this would glorify God? Would God’s name be praised or am I doing it for some selfish reasons of mine? For example, I am helping out a friend when I am in a crowd just to show others that I am of a helpful tendency would not be glorifying God right? God knows my heart and He knows whatever happens right!