You are talented.
Before you shake your head, deny those words, and click the little red X on this page, let me ask you a question:
Do you remember the parable of the three servants who were given different amounts of talents?
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a story about a master who gave specific amounts of talents (money) to three servants before leaving for a trip. Upon his return, they were to give the money back. Two of the servants chose to invest what they had received while the third servant got to work digging a hole in the ground for safekeeping, hiding what was entrusted to him.
At the time, coins were called “talents.” But if we think of “talent” in our modern context, considering it to be a skill or a gifting, then I confess all too often I live like the third servant.
The gift God gave that brings me joy is the same thing that has the power to glorify Him as I encourage others: the written word.
And yet for many years, I buried the words. Instead of offering what was given back to the Giver, I believed someone else would say it better, write it better, do it all better than I ever could. Many years have gone by, but even now, even after publishing a book, even after writing (and publicly sharing) hundreds of thousands of words, God is still teaching me how to walk in obedience when I’m tempted to reach for a shovel.
Sometimes this looks like obediently saying “yes” when I’m scared I won’t be ________ (fill in the blank) enough.
Sometimes it looks like obediently saying “no” while trusting He won’t keep me from something that is for my good and His glory.
But it always, without fail, looks like keeping my eyes on Him as I faithfully take the next step and leave the end result in His hands.
Looking back at the parable, I’m struck by how the master left for “a long time” (25:19). The entire chapter points to the return of Christ for His Bride, and while we’re sometimes quick to say “Come Lord Jesus” when disaster strikes, I wonder what we’re doing (and how we’re living) as we wait for the return of our generous Lord, the Giver of all good things.
In Matthew 25, both servants who invested their talents presented double the previous amount. By using what they had instead of hiding it away, the talents themselves grew. One servant went from five talents to ten. The other went from two to four.
Amazingly, because they each did the best they could with what they were given, they received the same reply: “Well done, good and faithful servant! . . . Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21)
The numbers weren’t important.
To look through the lens of 2021: It isn’t about Instagram followers, email subscribers, getting a book deal, having “enough” in your savings account or the title of “influencer.”
It’s about stewardship. It’s about open hands and a heart willing to share what was given instead of burying a gift deep down inside for safe-keeping. It’s about faith and obedience, not about having a platform.
You aren’t responsible for your sister’s talents. I’m not responsible for yours, and you aren’t responsible for mine. You don’t have to do the work of someone with five talents if you’ve been given two, but you are called and entrusted to be faithful with what you have received.
Your talent — your gifting — might be your story. Daring to share what God has done or what He is teaching you is one way to offer glory back to Him. Perhaps your talent is singing or art, listening or writing, speaking or cooking. You might have the gift of discernment or an extra dose of humor. I don’t know what God has given you, but I’m certain He’s given you something that is meant to be shared.
The success of your ministry isn’t dependent on the size of your ministry, so let’s look past the numbers and focus instead on obedience. You don’t have to be the best. You don’t need to win it all, climb a corporate ladder, hold a title or rank at the top of a list.
Just play your note. Sing your song. Write your story. Make your art. Be generous with your gifting, and instead of looking left or right at others or burying your talent in the sand, just do your thing bravely.
It will come at a cost, surely. But one day soon, we’ll bow before the Giver and every ounce of all we’ve given back to Him will be worth it one-hundred-times over as these words echo into eternity:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! . . . Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Leave a Comment
thenancyrd@yahoo.com says
I absolutely agree with you, that we should use the gifts God gave us to help others!
However, I have always given the 3rd servant (the one who buried the talent) some slack, because he says to his master that he was “a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown…” & the master agrees with him telling him well if you knew I was evil you should have given my money to a banker to earn interest. And even as the parable ends, the master says to everyone who has -more will be given, and he who does not – even what he has will be taken from him. This story has never sit right with me.
Melissa Baker says
Thank you for this encouragement today, Kaitlyn. It is what my heart truly needed.
Krista Corbray says
This truly challenged & encouraged me so much.
Thank you!
Kaitlyn Bouchillon says
Thank you for the encouragement, ladies! I really appreciate it. 🙂
Ruth Mills says
I love this encouragement!!! I’m a bit nervous but more excited about what God will do in/with me as I bury my shovel. Thank you for burying your shovel.
Linda Sprunt says
A hearty “AMEN” to Melissa’s comment. Thank you, Kaitlyn.
Stacie says
This was such an awesome encouragement this morning…thanks for sharing YOUR gift!
Kaitlyn Bouchillon says
Aww, well thank YOU for taking time to comment with an encouraging word.
Irene says
Well done!
Sheri says
I have a greeting card ministry. It is very time consuming and can be expensive. But it is what I believe I am called to do. I have joy doing it most of the time but God urges me on to keep it up when I want to give it up. I know it is appreciated by my friends at church and those whom I don’t know yet. It was particularly appreciated when we couldn’t attend worship. It keeps me connected to the congregation and that is very valuable. God is good.
Beth Williams says
Sheri,
Yeah for greeting cards. People-especially the elderly- love getting cards in the mail. It sends the messages that you aren’t forgotten & you are loved. In this pandemic time we need to send more cards tell others just how much they mean to us. You never know how it impacts a person & lifts their spirits. May God continue to bless you & the ministry you have.
Blessings 🙂
Kaitlyn Bouchillon says
That is no small thing, Sheri. I used to manage/host a card exchange for over a hundred women. Over and over I heard how cards arrived at just the right time. Thank you for the thoughtful offering you create for others!
Jeri Carlstedt says
One of my VERY favorite writers speaks the truth again….and brings light and life to the gifts that each of us have been given.
Kaitlyn Bouchillon says
This is generously kind. Thank you!!!
Melissa Ens says
Thank you, Kaitlyn. I need this reminder today!!!
Beth Williams says
Kaitlyn.
God gives each of us talents/gifts. We are to use them to further His kingdom. He sees us like a lamp that is put on a stand & gives light to everyone in the house. That is what our talents are to do–shed His light & love to this sin darkened world. If we generously use our talents we just may win some converts over & enlarge His kingdom. Just do your best with the gifts God has entrusted with you & you will hear the immortal words: “Well done thou good & faithful servant. Come & share in my glory.”
Blessings 🙂
Catherine Horneman says
So encouraging!!
Janet Williams says
Thank you Kaitlyn. I too relate to the 3rd servant. As I grow in my faith, I also grow in my talents and my boldness is blooming. There are still days when I shiver at the thought of stepping out of my comfort zone, but God gently pushes me forward.
YAY \0/
Stephanie says
“ while trusting He won’t keep me from something that is for my good and His glory.”
Amen, Kaitlyn! Beautiful words. Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer H. says
Thank you for this beautiful and encouraging perspective, Kaitlyn. This is just what I needed to hear today. I’m also a writer and part of a local mom-blog team. I love words and writing, and I love helping others feel seen and known by vulnerably sharing my perspective. But sometimes I get caught up in how many people have read and “liked” my writing, and I feel like I’m not making enough of an impact. Your words remind me that God gave me these talents for a reason and I should continue to use them, whether I reach one persson or one thousand. Thank you.
Kaitlyn Bouchillon says
It’s so easy to be distracted by numbers, isn’t it?! This article is preaching to my own heart, too. One that thing always encourages me: if ten people like your post and that feels “small” … how would you feel it all ten were in your living room? It wouldn’t be small anymore, right? 🙂 Each matters — greatly.
Jennifer says
Yes! I love this and will keep this perspective going forward. Thank you for sharing.
Chris Cotterill Townsend says
Amen! Thank you for sharing such encouraging words. Positive thoughts to embrace.
Bomi says
Thank you for the encouraging reminder:)
Jasmine says
Thank you Kaitlyn.
Sharing His goodness is an act of obedience and faithfulness.
In Christ, we are strong and talented to find His blessings of gifts.
Lisa says
This touched my heart and spirit so deeply tonight.