"And to the one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two talents gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money." Matthew 25:15-18 NIV
When the master in this passage gave the servants money, he gave it to them according to their ability - their ability to sow and reap. Did he know who was more capable of handling the money than another? He definitely did. The one who had five talents made five talents. The one who had two talents, made two talents. The one who had one talent said, "I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours." Matthew 25:25 NIV The one thing this guy had going for him was that at least he recognized whose money it was; however, the master said, "You wicked and lazy servant…For everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away." Matthew 25:26,29
God has given all of us resources, some more than others. In order for us to be trusted with more, we must prove that we can manage it. "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required." Luke 12:48 We have plenty of opportunities to invest our money here on earth - in savings accounts, CDs, money markets, the stock market, annuities, personal businesses, and many more. It is our job to become educated on these investments and make wise decisions. The two servants that doubled their investment obviously were good investors, and they felt comfortable investing. I doubt that they randomly went in and selected an investment off the cuff. They knew about investing and had a positive investment history for the master to trust them with more money.
I would encourage you to do some research on different types of investments if you have never invested before. Start with lower risk investments until you gain confidence with higher risk investments. Even if you hire someone to do your investing for you, you need to be at least knowledgeable enough to know what your investments are in and the type of return you are receiving on them.
Be faithful in your giving. Investing in the kingdom is the best type of investment. It is the type of investment in which you will sow now and reap for an eternity.
Denise Craig, Chief Financial Officer
