Capability and God's Gift

I was reading this morning from Matthew 25, in the section we know as the Parable of the Talents. And God spoke to me strongly through a little phrase found in verse 15 - "each according to his ability."

You remember the parable. A wealthy gentleman was embarking upon a long journey. So he invested his wealth that remained behind to three of his servants. Now, what is unique is that he did not divide his money among them equally. Let's say that one servant received $5000, another received $2000, while the third received $1000. Now before we even have an opportunity to cry "that's not fair!" Jesus makes the statement that the wealthy gentleman gave to "each according to his ability." He had confidence that the man who received the $5000 would do something with $5000. And he had similar confidence in the men who received $2000 and $1000. He knew what they were capable of. And, upon his return, he found that his expectations of the men to whom he had given $5000 and $2000 were more than met. But the third man brought disappointment. He had failed to use what had been entrusted to him.

Our task as believers is not to be jealous of those to whom God has entrusted more giftedness - Billy Graham, Chuck Colson, John MacArthur, etc. God has given to them because God knew they were capable. What is my responsibility? What is your responsibility? It is to use that one special gift which God has given to you. God has given it to you because He knows you are capable of using that one special gift. Don't wish for more...don't wish to be like someone else...use what you have. Then you and I will hear those wonderful words from our Master: "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master's happiness!"