Fairhaven UMC

So how many of us have been that servant with the one talent? It’s a lot easier and a lot safer, right, just to bury it, and then it’s safe, and you don’t have to worry about it, because you could lose it. But Jesus makes a little bit different point there that we’ll talk about today.

Have you ever stopped to think about how much God has given you? Yeah. I really had to think about that. It was a struggle this week to think about how much God had given me. good things. And, and still, remember how blessed we are.

Sometimes we spend so much time looking at what others have or we forget to appreciate what God has already given us and given to us in our own lives. We see someone else’s talents. Boy, I wish I could run with the football like that, you know? Or somebody’s abilities, you know, man, that guy got some superhuman strength.

Or maybe even somebody’s accomplishments. Wow, guys got dual degrees. And we wonder why we weren’t given the same gifts. The same talents. But Jesus reminds us today, In today’s gospel lesson that God doesn’t give anyone the same thing. See, he gives each of us something. And he asks us to use that faithfully.

Now in Matthew 25. Jesus tells the story of a master who gives 3 servants different amounts of money. before leaving on a journey. The one receives 5 talents, the 2nd, 2 talents, and then the 3rd finally receives one talent.

Well, the first two servants, they put their money to work, and they double what they received. And the other, you know, and then, but the third servant, well, he has a little different view on things. He decides that out of fear, he’s going to bury those talents, at least then they’ll be safe in his mind.

Well, in the master returns, he praises the 1st 2 servants, with the same words, well done, good and faithful servant. That is important, lesson for us here to learn. You see, God has given each of us something. We all have gifts and talents, although we may not see them, we still have them.

Some people are good teachers. You’ve had a good teacher right there. One that’s inspired you to want to learn more that’s just shown you wisdom and knowledge just make, wow. I never thought that. Others, are good listeners. They listen to you. They hear you. They give you good sound advice.

Some are good with their hands, crafty, fixing things, taking care of houses, and adjusting squeaky doors, and those are good talents too. Then others have the gift of encouragement. reminding the others that you are strong. You can do this. You’re going to make it through this time, the season in your life.

Not everyone is called to do the same thing. And that’s okay. It really is. God doesn’t expect us to have someone else’s abilities. That’s not what he’s saying here. He simply asks us to use what we’ve been given. Take the talents that we’ve been given, and use them.

Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. I know that in our mindset, we want to do something big, you know? We want to be like Superman and jump over tall buildings and run as fast as a train. That’s maybe not be our calling.

Maybe our calling is to be an encourager to give a phone call to somebody who hasn’t been around for a while or maybe a visit, and a kind word. Or a simple act of kindness that can change someone’s day. Never underestimate what God can accomplish through an ordinary person who is willing to serve. Just be willing to serve, and let God use you.

Now, that third servant buried his talent because he was afraid. He said, I’m afraid. I’m afraid of your ways. I heard that you were a hard man. He was afraid. Instead of taking a chance, he decided to do nothing. How often have we done the same thing?

Afraid to take that chance, afraid to speak to somebody about Jesus, because, well, I don’t know if I have the right words to say. Maybe we feel like God is calling someone else to help. You know, God, I think, you know, my brother Aaron would be better at this than me. Or volunteer or or reach out or become more involved.

But then we begin to make excuses for ourselves. We tell ourselves that we’re not good enough. You know? Or we don’t have enough experience. You know, I haven’t read the Bible one through. I need to read it another 10 times, and then I’ll understand it better before I talk to people, you know, or or become, um, Or we think that maybe somebody else can do it better.

Because that so-and-so seems assure, boy, they got a lot of talent, and they can talk to people really well. Maybe that someone that you need to talk to, that God is asking you to talk to, is just somebody that needs to hear your words. Just needs exactly what you have to say. Your story that encourages, it strengthens, it helps remind them that God is part of their life.

You see, God isn’t calling us to be perfect. We’re not. He went after 12 fishermen. Did he not? And he used them. in a mightily way. He calls us because he has something for us to do. He calls us because he’s going to equip the call. trust his calling in your life. Remember, faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting God enough to take the next step.

Now, I want us to notice that the servant with the five talents and the servant who had the two talents receives some praise, do they not? Yeah. Why? Well, because they were both faithful, and what they were given. God isn’t comparing us with our neighbors, and saying, you know, look at your neighbor over there, he’s doing a good job. He isn’t saying that.

He isn’t comparing us with our friends, and he surely is not comparing you with the person who’s sitting next to you in your pew. He’s not. Because we are, because both were faithful with what they had been given. That is what he’s trying to show them. They were faithful in what they were given. God isn’t see, he’s asking us to be faithful with the gifts that we have. Those talents.

Our faith isn’t just about asking about coming to church on Sunday. And it isn’t about what we do. It is about, excuse me, it is about what we do when we leave this church. It’s about how we treat people. how we help those in need. Reaching out to our neighbors in love, how we forgive those who have fallen short, and how we share the love of Jesus with those who need it.

Sometimes ministry happens in just the simplest of ways. a visit to someone who’s lonely. Simple. A meal for someone who’s struggling. Or a listening ear for someone who’s having a very difficult day. Those are the moments when our faith needs to be put into action.

Here’s my conclusion. Church, the message of this parable is simple. Jesus isn’t trying to overcomplicate things. God has given each of us something. We all have gifts and talents. He doesn’t ask us to do everything. I like to think about everything instead of just that one thing. myself. I’m guilty, but he does ask us to do something.

Don’t bury your gifts. Because they think that we think that they aren’t important. Don’t let fear keep you from serving others. And don’t spend your life wishing that you had someone else’s talents. instead, take what God has given you. and use it to make a difference.

And someday, when our journey is complete, I hope that we hear those wonderful words, good job, well done, good and faithful servant, well done. May we live each day, using the gifts that God has given us, serving others, sharing his love, and building his kingdom.

Let us pray. Heavenly Father. Thank you for the gifts and the blessings that you have placed in our lives. Help us not compare ourselves with others or allow fears to keep us from serving you. Give us the courage to use what you have given us, the wisdom to recognize opportunities, and the compassion to help those around us.

May our words and actions reflect your love each day. And someday, may we hear those wonderful words, well done, good and faithful servant. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.