📖 Scripture: Matthew 25:14–30 (NIV) – The Parable of the Talents

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability.
...
The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five more...
But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

After a long time the master returned and settled accounts.

The first two servants were praised: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’
But the servant who hid his talent was rebuked and cast out: ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’

...For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

✨ Devotion: Faithfulness in What We've Been Given

This parable isn’t just about money—it’s about trust, responsibility, and using what God has given us for His kingdom. Each servant received a different amount, "each according to his ability." God doesn’t expect the same from all of us, but He does expect faithfulness.

The first two servants didn't compare or complain; they took action. They invested, multiplied, and honored their master’s trust. The third servant, however, acted in fear, not faith. His excuse? “I was afraid.”

How often do we bury what God gives us—our time, gifts, callings—because we’re afraid of failure or comparison?

God is not asking for perfection. He is asking for obedience. The words “Well done, good and faithful servant” are not reserved for those with the most talents, but for those who faithfully use what they’ve been given.

📌 Reflection Questions:

• What has God entrusted to me?

• Am I using my gifts for His glory, or am I burying them in fear?

• What step of obedience can I take today?

🙏 Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for entrusting me with gifts, time, and opportunities. I confess that sometimes I’ve allowed fear, comparison, or laziness to hold me back from using what You’ve placed in my hands. Help me to be faithful in the little and the much. Teach me to take risks in faith, not to seek applause, but to honor You.

May I one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Until then, help me to serve diligently, courageously, and joyfully. Use my life for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.