05.02 The use of natural gifts
II. THE USE OF NATURAL GIFTS
Consider our use of natural gifts or endowments. It is by a true instinct of interpretation that our common English speech has borrowed from this parable the word “talents.” The phrase is itself a good sermon. It teaches us that these natural endowments are given to us by our Maker and Master on trust that we shall improve them; educate them, put them out to trade; and this, not for our own sake only, but for His glory. It is this thought which gives to all true education a religious value and sanction. To educate ourselves is part of the duty which we owe to God, and any education in which men wilfully stop short of the best, the fullest possible, is not religious education. Religious education is not merely instruction in religion; it is the utmost development of our faculties of which we are capable for the glory of God.
Life is, therefore, one long continuation school, and every true servant of God must be one of its scholars. I may most confidently say that no one who reads these pages is without some natural gift or capacity, however humble, some special taste or aptitude of mind or body. If it be only one, it is a talent with which we are to trade that it may be increased. Christian people have special need of the reminder that the development of natural talent is an integral part of Christian service. The Christian mind has dwelt I do not say too earnestly, for that would be impossible, but too exclusively on salvation from the sin by which human nature has been ruined, too little on consecration of the gifts with which human nature has been endowed. But even on the cross of Christ human life was not so much crucified as made capable of consecration.
Christ came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. It is worth while to think that among the questions of the great day of account not the least disquieting to religious people may be those which ask what they have done with the natural talents committed to their charge.
TAGS: [Parables]