Friday, April 11, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 25

In the “Parable of the Three Servants,” the man returns from his trip and meets with his servants to see how they had used the money (called “talents” in Roman times) he had entrusted to each of them while he was gone. One servant took the money and buried it, but the other two took the money gifted to them and multiplied it. To each of the latter servants, the man praised, “Well done, my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:20-23).” 

Those are words I long to hear! Afterall, I am a people pleaser. I want someone to recognize that I’m doing my best. Unfortunately, as an adult, I don’t get to hear this often, and sometimes, I start to doubt my own worth. Maybe you can relate.

We didn’t have much growing up, and I watched what little my mom and dad had taken from them through bankruptcy. Did that mean we weren’t good people? Was my family wicked or lazy (Matthew 25:26)?

I really struggled with this for a long time. Then I came to realize that bad things happen to even the best of people and God doesn’t value the same things earthlings do. 

I know that God loves me the way I am. If there is any change to be made in me, God is going to do it, because I don’t have the tenacity to do it through my own will. This is probably why I find today’s reading so difficult.

Matthew 25:29
“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”

When I took GrowthTrack, I discovered my talents—the special abilities God gives each of us to help grow his Kingdom. Some people are blessed with artistic gifts, speech, teaching, leadership, money, and more. (No surprise, mine wasn’t money!) 

1 Peter 4:10
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 

God has uniquely wired us all with gifts and talents. There are limitless ways to discover, develop, and use them. Like the parable suggests, we are entrusted not to hide what we’ve been given, but rather, to wisely use our gifts and talents to grow God’s Kingdom.

Questions: 
How are you using the gifts and talents God gave you to grow his Kingdom? Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?  

Next Steps: 
Sign up for GrowthTrack or look back at your workbook and familiarize yourself with your spiritual gifts and talents. Get out and start investing in them! 

Prayer:
Father, thank you for reminding me of my worth! Help me to find ways to use the talents and gifts you’ve given me for your good and not my own. When I want to be selfish, remind me of the sacrifice you made so I could have a relationship with you and the Father. Fill me with confidence and move me to conviction. In Jesus’ name, amen! 

Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

This post was written by Julie Estep, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the LivingItOut.