"He gave to each one according to his ability. The servant who had received five thousand coins went at once and invested his money and earned another five thousand. In the same way the servant who had received two thousand coins earned another two thousand." (Matthew 25:15a -17)
In this post Catholic Front takes you on an exciting journey to discover what are talents and how you can multiply them, endlessly, to earn their material and spiritual rewards in abundance. Follow me - you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).
1. CONTEXT OF TALENTS
All human beings are endowed with talents. That is why the society is, everywhere, booming with talents in arts, sports, science, culture, farming, medicine, business, building, teaching, engineering, finance, government etc.
From their birth some people have received so many talents while others have received very few. But there is, absolutely, no injustice in this: for, as it is written, "Much is required from the person to whom much is given; and much more is required from the person to whom much more is given." (Luke 12:48).
Multiple Talents
In fact, although people with multiple talents may have the advantage to easily switch from one job to another or to undertake several activities at the same time, they have two fundamental problems - indecision and distraction. So many multitalents turn out to be "Jacks of all trades" who master none, and end up to be "rolling stones" that gather no moss. On the other hand, for people with single talents God has already solved the problem of choice. They know only one thing, on which they concentrate and persevere - no matter the challenges - until they succeed; since they can do nothing else. There is evidence everywhere - in numbers and percentage - to show that more of the people with few talents excel and succeed than those people who have multiple talents.
Diversity of Talents
The experience is that as the society booms in the diversity of talents, so too, there are people who excel in the multiplicity of talents, whereas there are many who are still to recognize their talents. Moreover, some people manifest their talents in their integrity, some in their perversity and others, still, in their obscurity - and this really matters!
2. MEANING OF TALENTS
"There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. But it is one and the same Spirit who does all this; as he wishes, he gives a different gift to each person." (1 Corinthians 12:5,11)
In Greek and Roman antiquity a talent was a weight and unit of currency used for the purchase of goods and services. Today the English language dictionary defines "talent" as (1) a natural ability, skill, quality, or faculty which a person possesses; or (2) a person who possesses such a natural ability, skill, quality or faculty.
Therefore, the modern English usage of "talent" is not so different from its ancient meaning. For just as talents were used in ancient times to pay for goods and services, so too talents are used in the modern world to earn currency which is used to buy goods and services.
Characteristics of Talents
In all, there are five key points to note about talents: (1) they are given by God who creates human beings; (2) they are given for free - so that no one may boast or claim ownership of the talents they have; (3) they are given in different quantities and in different qualities - to different people - and according to the will of God; (4) they are given according to the ability and on the accountability of each one; (5) they are given in order to be used in serving God. (1 Corinthians 12:5,11).
3. MYSTERY OF TALENTS
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service. The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all." (1 Corinthians 12:4, 6-7)
Having discovered the origin and the use for talents, it is also important to note that there are two categories of talents - spiritual talents and material talents. Material talents are used to serve God in the occupations of daily life - for example, teaching, selling, governing etc. They are also used to serve God in the material work of the Church - such as singing, building, decorating etc. Meanwhile, spiritual talents or gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-10) are used to serve God in the spiritual work of the Church, as a community of believers. Also, spiritual talents are useful in developing and directing the material talents to fulfill the love and sanctity of God.
Serving God
But what does it mean to serve God? In fact, God does not need any of our goods or services for himself. To serve God, means using our talents to serve fellow human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, in the ways that glorify God. For as it is written "Whenever you did this to any of these little ones you did it for me (Matthew 25:40). Within the Church spiritual talents are used to proclaim the Word of God and to witness for Christ, to serve the spiritual needs of believers, and to help unbelievers to believe, so as to receive salvation.
Talents - whether spiritual or material - are the evidence of God's presence and actions in every human being - believers and unbelievers, alike. The recognition of one's talents is a very basic step to take. And the notice of one's inclinations is the starting point to the recognition, development and fulfillment of talents.
Recognition of Talents
For believers, this process is always assisted by meditation, prayer and discernment - so as to know and do the will of God. As already mentioned, people with multiple talents should endeavor to make a timely decision, through counseling and prayer, so as to choose one or a few talents and focus on them, to develop and excel.
Really, It is unwise for you to covet or assume a talent which you do not have, only because it is high-paying, or because it gives honor, power and authority. You may not be able to multiply it. That is how some parents frustrate their own children by forcing them to take up professions which do not suit them - and this, because such professions are high-paying or power-inducing.
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4. MULTIPLICATION OF TALENTS
"The servant who had received five thousand coins came in and handed over the other five thousand. ‘You gave me five thousand coins, sir,’ he said. ‘Look! Here are another five thousand that I have earned.’" (Matthew 25:20)
The result of multiplication of talents is not a quantitative assessment of the value of currency you earn by employing your talents, but it is an absolute valuation of the profitability of your talents for the material and / or spiritual well-being of the people whom you are called to serve. With this in mind, let us look at four ways by which you can multiply your talent; these are: activity, integrity, modesty and charity.
Development of Talents
When you recognize your talents by your inclination, you should also allow God to confirm them, through prayer and discernment. Following these, the talents are developed and perfected through training and practice, in order to begin activity. In the exercise of the talents the objectives should be to accomplish their functions, which are to satisfy the needs or solve the problems of fellow human beings. A talent begins to multiply itself when the owner's primary objective is to serve. And such a talent is prepared to make extra sacrifices to satisfy the client - after which they may receive pay, as a merited reward.
The next requirement for talents to multiply is to use them with integrity. In order that your talents may multiply you must be honest, transparent and truthful in your dealings with clients or those whom you serve.
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Talents Are Not for Sale
The next condition is that the consideration for your services, if any, should be legal and moderate. In fact, your talents are not for sale because you did not buy them. The scriptures says: "You have received without pay, so give without being paid" and that "Workers should be given what they need" (Matthew 10:8-10). This means, therefore, that you should earn from your talents not more than what you need to make a living. And so, any exorbitant or unjustified charges are abuses of the use of your talents.
Finally, your generosity or charitable acts in favor of the poor or the needy, are extraordinary ways of multiplying your talents. Helping those who have nothing or too little to live on, is both an expression of divine love and an acknowledgement that you, too, do not deserve what you have - God is the giver. And your sacrifice does not go without being rewarded on earth and in heaven.
5. REWARDS FOR MULTIPLICATION
"Well done, you good and faithful servant!’ said his master. ‘You have been faithful in managing small amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts. Come on in and share my happiness!" (Matthew 25:21)
The rewards for multiplying talents are of three types - material rewards, moral rewards, and spiritual rewards.
The material reward for multiplying the talent that one has is the increase in goodwill. When you serve people with skill, diligence, empathy, honesty and compassion, many more people would love to come to you for service. This is how diligence, integrity and empathy may help professionals to multiply both their goodwill and their revenue without exploiting anyone. The moral rewards from multiplying talents are the increase in the dignity, popularity, honor and reputation of the talent owner.
Finally, the spiritual rewards that one may earn for multiplying their talents constitute in achieving a deepening relationship with God, receiving more spiritual and temporary blessings, the attainment of peace and happiness and, above all, the benefit of eternal life in heaven.
6. BURIAL OF TALENTS
"But the servant who had received one thousand coins went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master's money." (Matthew 25:18)
There are five ways by which people may bury their talents - these are: inactivity, abuse, misuse, greed, and indifference. First of all, if you fail to recognize your talents, or fail to develop them after recognition, or fail to use them after development, then they would remain dormant - and a dormant talent does not multiply.
Secondly, if you abuse the use of your talent - for instance, use it to exploit, deceive or harass people - it will not multiply, but die. For example a medic, technician, or professional who takes advantage of the ignorance of their clients to make them pay for fictitious services, spare parts, products etc are actually burying their talents.
Corruption of Talents
Thirdly, if you misuse your talents - that is, manifest them in perversity, so you bury them. To manifest talents in misuse is to shamelessly put at the service of Satan the gifts which God has given to you. So when someone uses their skills to steal, intelligence to dupe, personality to impersonate or beauty to prostitute, it is perversity.
Fourthly, if you exercise your talents with greed - which usually goes with jealousy - then you bury them. This is often noticed in the exercise of power and authority. When you want to be the only one to rule or to decide for others; and when you want to hold on to power or exercise authority without considering the wishes and interests of others, then you no longer serve God with your talent - and so it is buried.
Finally, if you do not use your talents with compassion and empathy, then you bury them. For example, if you are unable or unwilling to give special consideration to the needy, the weak and the poor, then the exercise of your talents gives neither glory nor gratitude to God, who gave you them.
7. PUNISHMENTS FOR BURIAL
"As for this useless servant - throw him outside in the darkness; there he will cry and gnash his teeth." (Matthew 25:30)
There are three types of punishment that you may suffer for burying your talents. These are material, moral and spiritual punishments. The material retributions may include: the loss of business goodwill or customers. And if you persist in your evil acts, you may go bankrupt or close down. By this you lose your means of living to start living a miserable life.
Moral retribution is the loss of your respect and integrity in the face of the society. What is even worse is that you may suffer legal punishments, including fines and imprisonment, which may further compromise your freedom and integrity. Finally, by the burial of your talents you also break your fellowship with Christ, because your ways are sinful. And if you fail to repent you would also lose eternal life in heaven. (Matthew 25:30)
Prayer
May your reading and application of this post help you to recognize your talents, and to develop and multiply them, to earn their material rewards on earth and their eternal rewards in heaven, Amen.
Author: Aying Godman, is a Catechist, Evangelist & Blogger of the Roman Church; Founder of CATHOLIC FRONT - THE CATHOLIC FRONT LINE COMMUNITY™ Email: ayinggodman@gmail.com
Copyright (c) Aying Godman - Catholic Front Media (2021-2022) All rights reserved.
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