June 14

The One-talented Man

Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. — Matt 25:24 BSB

The five-talented people are the geniuses of the world, successful in whatever they attempt. The two-talented people may not face the temptations of genius, but they’re also not at the lowest end of the scale. But why did the man with one talent fail so badly? It’s a true reflection of life. One-talented people often feel they can do so little that they end up doing nothing. They feel crushed and discouraged by their sense of insignificance and inferiority. Many start life with high hopes and pure goals, but when they realize how limited their opportunities and influence are, they give up in despair.

But the world will never be saved if one-talented people, who are the vast majority, do not recognize their responsibility. Five people with a single talent each can put their full energy into using that talent, while one person with five talents has only one source of energy. From God’s perspective, it is perhaps a greater achievement to use one talent faithfully than to manage many. No one praises or cheers the person with only one talent. It is a greater test of character to faithfully perform one small task than to handle many tasks with brilliance. Life can feel monotonous for those with only one skill, one tune to play, one task to perform in the vast machinery of life.

But what the Lord requires of us is faithfulness—faithfulness in the small things. He watches us eagerly as we live our daily lives because He knows how much our future position in His Kingdom depends on our faithfulness here. For our own sake, He longs for us to make good use of our one talent.

Do you have only one talent? Are you using it? Remember, even an ounce can tip the scales, and a tiny tug can move a great ship. Be faithful in your small role, and you will hear the “Well done” of your Lord.

Prayer

O Lord, at the end of each day, may we stand before You to hear Your verdict. And when all our labor is finished, may we hear You say, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things; enter into the joy of your Lord." Amen.