Trading on God's Gifts

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one;
to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his
journey. Matt. 25:15.

The parable of the talents ... has a personal and individual
application to every man, woman, and child possessed of the powers of
reason. Your obligation and responsibility are in proportion to the talents
God has bestowed upon you. . . .

When the master of the house called his servants, he gave to every man
his work. The whole family of God are included in the responsibility of
using their Lord's goods. Every individual, from the lowliest and most
obscure to the greatest and most exalted, is a moral agent endowed with
abilities for which he is accountable to God. . . . The spiritual, mental,
and physical ability, the influence, station, possessions, affections,
sympathies, all are precious talents to be used in the cause of the
Master....

Let the businessman do his business in a way that will glorify his
Master because of his fidelity. Let him carry his religion into everything
that is done, and reveal to men the Spirit of Christ. Let the mechanic be a
diligent and faithful representative of Him who toiled in the lowly walks of
life in the cities of Judea. Let every one who names the name of Christ so
work, that man by seeing his good works may be led to glorify his Creator
and Redeemer. . . .

Those who have been blessed with superior talents should not depreciate
the value of the services of those who are less gifted than themselves. The
smallest trust is a trust from God. The one talent, through diligent use
with the blessing of God, will be doubled, and the two used in the service
of Christ will be increased to four; and thus the humblest instrument may
grow in power and usefulness. The earnest purpose, the self-denying efforts,
are all seen, appreciated, and accepted by the God of heaven.... God alone
can estimate the worth of their service and see the far-reaching influence
of him who works for the glory of his Maker.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 324