Pondering the Gifts and Talents God has Bestowed

Prayer-Soldier

Many blessings to all,

Jesus told us that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into heaven (Matthew 19:23). Does this mean then that one who works and is rewarded for their endeavors has no hope for a place in heaven? Does this mean that only the impoverished will be invited into the kingdom of God? Jesus offered His words as warning, but He also told us that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:16).

What we must understand is that we do not own all that we have, rather, we are the stewards of that which God has granted us or the role to which God has guided us. God has given each of us gifts and talents to create, do and minister. What we are given may be put to many uses and purposes. We may use our talents to become rich, but it is not our wealth which keeps us from heaven if it is the purpose to which we use it.

God granted great wealth to the decedents of Abraham and the family of David, but He did not do so to deny them a place in the holy kingdom. He knew what was in their hearts and for what purpose they would put their abundance. While God grants each of us gifts and talents through which to make our way in this world, we must understand that the path we chose demonstrates whether or not we are with God.

As we pass through each day, way may use the gifts of God and the talents He has granted us to earn great wealth, do great works or do many small things. It is not the size of what we do which is important in the eyes of God, but the purpose for which we do it. That which is done in fulfillment of the commandment given to us to love overshadows all other works. That which is not done in fulfillment of the purpose of God will eventually fade away. Even the smallest act of love brings us closer to God than the most massive work or accumulation of wealth developed for selfish purpose.

God has given us the choice as to the works we put the talents and gifts He has bestowed upon us. He also came down from heaven to teach us that which is the greatest and that which is the least. Even the smallest act of love is greater than the combined works of all else which will eventually turn to dust.

Jesus reminded Peter, the rock upon which Jesus built His Church ( Matthew 16:18 ) to feed His lambs, tend His sheep, feed His sheep (John 21:15-17). Jesus taught us that He has given us a new commandment to love one another as He loves us (John 13:34). The works, then, to which we are called are to serve the children of God, the lambs of His grace, the sheep of His flock.

The tycoon may earn envy, the tyrant may command legions, but there is nothing they can do in this world that will not turn to dust. Only the works and endeavors of love, the fulfillment of the will of God will find a place in eternity as will those who follow the path to the kingdom of heaven.

If our belief is in the Son of Man, the begotten Son of the Father, the Lamb of God sacrificed for our sins, our Savior who rose to conquer death and lead us to eternal life, then we express that belief by devoting what we do in fulfillment of that which He taught us. If we are true to that belief, the question we should ask ourselves each day is, â€œFor what purpose, this day, have I put the gifts and talents God has granted me?â€

May the Lord be with you,
Prayer Soldier