“In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”–Acts 20:35
In the parable of the talents, the ruler blessed three of his servants with different talents, and they were to do something with them. One buried his and didn’t do anything with it and the ruler came back and basically said, “Wicked man. You didn’t do what you were supposed to do.” Of the other two—one multiplied his talent a little bit and the other maximized his to the fullest. That’s where I feel like I sit.
Those talents weren’t theirs to keep. They were to give to other people. It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)—so true. It’s absolutely a promise. The more you give, guess what? The more God can say, “OK, now let Me give you more.” The "more" may not be money, power, fame or fortune. It's not a guranteed one-to-one relationship. But God will honor your faithfullness with faithfullness of His own. If you come with your hands closed because you don’t want to let go of what you have, then God can no longer put anything in your hands. You’ve got to open them up, and let Him place in them or take from them whatever He wants.
1. What are some athletic and non-athletic talents with which God has blessed you? On a scale of 1 to 10, how good of a job would you say you’ve done maximizing those talents?
2. What are some ways that you’ve used your talents for personal benefit? for the benefit of your team? How did each feel different?
3. In what ways have you experienced the truths expressed in Acts 20:35?
Deuteronomy 28:1-12; Matthew 25:14-30
Lord, rid my heart of any fear or pride that might keep me from using these talents for Your glory and for the benefit of those around me. Amen.
About the Author:
Mike Minter is a former NFL safety with the Carolina Panthers. He was a member of two national championship teams at the University of Nebraska in 1994 and 1995.
