Rev William Morton: We must use all the talents that God has given us

Every time I try to construct whatever we’ve bought – whether a bookcase, or a cabinet, either of which should be achievable, one would have thought – it never works for me! I end up with a part back to front, or else I have a part(s) surplus to requirements.

I realise from experience that different people have different abilities. Someone might be a good listener, but not be a good administrator. A person who has the knack of fixing a dishwasher might have little or no musical ability. Experience helps us to entrust people with tasks in proportion to their ability.

That’s what the rich man did in the Parable of the Talents, from St Matthew, chapter 25. Before he set out on his journey, he entrusted his property ‘to each in proportion to his ability’.

Five talents to the first, two to the second, and one to the third. The first two employees doubled what they had been given. The third did not. He had not done anything with the talent he had been given. “I was afraid,” he said, “and I went off and hid your talent in the ground”.

I have always thought that, though we may criticise this employee, he should be afforded a little sympathy, because deep down we are only too well aware how fear can hold us back and prevent us from doing what we are well capable of doing. Fear can be a much more powerful force in the lives of some more than others.

Jesus was so aware of the disabling power of fear in people’s lives. How often did he not use the words: “Do not be afraid”. Jesus was present to people in ways that released them from their fear; he never wanted fear to hold people back from realising their potential.

He wanted people to learn from failure, and to do something, even if failure was experienced on the way.

It is a real tragedy not to use the gifts which the Lord has entrusted to us. If we hide what the Lord has given us, others are thereby deprived. Most of us need a bit of encouragement to place our gifts at the disposal of others. In these difficult times for the church, the ministry of encouragement is essential.

The Lord would not want us to go to ground, in our fear, and fail to use our gifts. Instead, he would want us to encourage one another to share this treasure so that the church may become all that God is calling her to be.