Don’t Bury Your Gifts: A Lesson from the Parable of the Talents

In Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus shares the Parable of the Talents, a story about a master who entrusts his servants with his property before going on a journey. Each servant receives a different number of talents, according to their ability. Two servants invest and multiply their master’s resources, while one fearfully buries his talent in the ground.

When the master returns, he praises the two servants who doubled their investments: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21, ESV). But the third servant, who buried his talent, is condemned for wasting what was given to him.

This parable isn’t just about ancient currency—it’s about our God-given gifts, talents, and opportunities. It challenges us to reflect on what we’ve been entrusted with and what we’re doing with it.

The Talents Are Your Gifts from God

In the parable, talents symbolize the resources, abilities, and opportunities that God has given to each of us. Whether it’s a creative skill, a talent for teaching, a heart for serving others, or the ability to lead, each of us has been uniquely equipped for a purpose.

But notice this: the master distributes the talents “to each according to his ability” (v. 15). God doesn’t compare you to anyone else; He knows your capacity and equips you accordingly. The real question isn’t how much you’ve been given, but what you’re doing with what you’ve received.

Fear: The Enemy of Faithful Stewardship

The third servant’s reaction is one we can all relate to at times: fear. He says, “Master, I knew you to be a hard man…so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground” (vv. 24-25).

Fear can paralyze us. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of not being “enough” can lead us to bury our gifts, keeping them hidden instead of using them for God’s glory. But the master’s harsh response to the third servant shows us that playing it safe isn’t what God desires.

God doesn’t call us to perfection; He calls us to faithfulness. The first two servants didn’t multiply their talents by accident—they took risks, invested, and worked diligently. Similarly, God asks us to trust Him, step out in faith, and use our gifts—even if it feels uncertain or uncomfortable.

Faithfulness Over Fear

The master’s praise for the faithful servants is about more than their results. Notice what he says: “You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much” (v. 21). Their reward wasn’t based on the amount they earned but on their faithfulness to use what they were given.

Faithfulness means trusting that what God has placed in you is valuable and acting on it. It means serving with excellence, whether in small, unseen tasks or large, public responsibilities.

The Danger of Wasting Your Gifts

The third servant’s mistake wasn’t just that he failed to invest the talent—it was that he failed to trust the master’s expectations. By burying the talent, he rejected the opportunity to contribute to something greater.

When we bury our gifts, we risk missing out on the abundant life God has prepared for us. We also miss the chance to bless others. As the body of Christ, we are interconnected. Your gifts are meant to serve, inspire, and encourage those around you. When you hide them, the entire body suffers.

Practical Ways to Invest Your Talents

If you’re unsure how to use your God-given gifts, here are a few steps to get started:

• Identify Your Gifts: Reflect on your passions, strengths, and the areas where others see potential in you. Prayerfully ask God to reveal how He’s equipped you.
• Start Small: You don’t need to have it all figured out. Begin with small, faithful acts of service, trusting that God will lead you to greater opportunities.
• Seek Growth: Invest in developing your gifts through learning, practice, and mentorship. Growth glorifies God and prepares you for bigger responsibilities.
• Serve Others: Look for ways to use your talents to bless your family, church, workplace, and community.
• Trust God’s Timing: Results may not be immediate, but remember, the faithful servants in the parable were rewarded in due time.

A Call to Action

The Parable of the Talents ends with a sobering reminder: “For to everyone who has will more be given…but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away” (v. 29). This isn’t about punishment; it’s about stewardship. When we use our gifts, God multiplies them. But when we hide them, we lose the opportunity to grow and make an impact.

Let this story inspire you to take your God-given gifts out of hiding. Use them boldly, trusting that God has equipped you for His purpose. Like the faithful servants, may you one day hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

What talent will you invest today? Don’t wait—step into the joy of your Master.