Utilizing our God-Given Gifts: Lessons from the Parable of the Three Servants.

Consider the timeless wisdom found in the parable of the three servants, a story that holds valuable lessons for us all.

To one servant, the master gave five bags of silver; to another, two bags; and to the last, one bag. This parable, as explained in Matthew 25:14–28, teaches us that our Heavenly Father is less concerned with what we have at hand and more interested in what we can do with those things.

Many people pray for various gifts, deeper spiritual experiences, and higher spiritual levels. However, the more they tender their requests, the longer it often seems for the answers to come forth. Here is the key: God cannot give you what you cannot handle. He will not burden you with responsibilities beyond your capacity.

Before you think God is not interested in your affairs, ask yourself these salient questions: "Am I ready for what I'm asking for?" "Can I handle it too?"

I once heard a story about a young man who lost his job after a successful interview because he could not drive. The managing director congratulated him and asked if he could drive. When he said no, they had to withdraw the job offer because the position included a company car, and they could not endanger his life.

Similarly, the master of the three servants got angry with the last servant because he did nothing with the silver he was given. The servant thought he would have done more with more silver, not realizing that even the little he had could have multiplied if he had used it wisely.

We, too, can fall into the trap of the last servant if we don't understand our purpose or lack vision. You may dream of more without utilizing what you already have judiciously. You may want to be like others when God has already deposited something unique within you that can multiply if used well.

The only way to receive more—be it spiritual gifts, growth, or increased capacity—is by utilizing well what you have been given. The more you do this, the more you will have in abundance. But if you do nothing with what you have, even that little will be taken away and given to someone who can use it well.

How well do you use what God has given to you?

Remember, the key to receiving more is making the most of what you already have.