When Talents Are Lost
Once upon a time, there were three employees that were given a certain number of skills. Their Boss gave them the skills free of charge except that they be diligent in improving them. He took the time to train each one of them. The first guy Fred was taught how to use a chainsaw, operate the backhoe, manage other employees, accomplish basic and advanced carpentry, and plumbing. Five skills that were honed by years of mentorship.
The other guy Frank was not as fast of a learner as Fred, but he had a great grasp on administrative items. The Boss taught Frank how to keep and balance the books using quickbooks, and how to market the business and write contracts. Two great skills.
Pete was the slowest learner of the three but still had great management potential. He had a knack for relentlessly focusing on just one thing. Electrical wiring was his specialty, but he seemed to only excel when the Boss was present and watching. When the Boss stayed home for the day, Pete seemed to fall off the wagon.
Then one day the Boss decided to move to Alaska to start a new company. He entrusted the company to these three guys and lined up plenty of work for them. He returned two years later.
To find out what happens next, read Matthew 25:19-30.
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The Parable of the Talents by J.C. - Matthew 25:19-30
"After a long time the master of those employees returned home and settled accounts with them. [He got on quickbooks to see how the finances were doing]. The man who had received five talents approached, [came in the office] and presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. Look, I’ve earned five more talents.’ [earned some profits and acquired some new and refined skills by using the ones he already had].
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy! [i.e. my wife is cooking dinner tonight and you are invited].
"Then the man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I’ve [turned some profit and help the business get approved for some more capital].’
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’ [You can come to the dinner party tonight as well].
"Then the man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a difficult man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. I played it safe. Here is [the electrical tool bag] you gave me.’
"But his master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, then you should have [used your talents to make a profit] and deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned I would have received my money back with interest.'
Jesus concluded the story with this,
"So the Master took the talent from him and gave it to the one who had ten talents. For to everyone who has (a work ethic), more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have (is lazy), even that which he has will be taken away from him. And that good-for-nothing servant will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."