We all dream about things we wish we had: more money, time, happiness, etc. These are all good things. However, there is something else that gives everything we have a deeper purpose and meaning.

Jesus illustrates this with a story about a few unnamed servants who are entrusted with large sums of money from their master. They are free to make decisions and use these gifts the best they can according to their abilities.

Key Takeaways

To get what you WANT, don’t waste what you HAVE.

We are also free to make the same decisions about how we use the gifts that God has given us.

Between our time, influence, talents, and even the air in our lungs, God has given us everything we have. We have a lot, even if it seems others have been given more than us.

We can waste what we have by playing it safe and keeping it to ourselves, or we can be faithful with it by working hard on what matters most, and investing in what will help us and others grow. It is our faithfulness with what we have been given, not the results, that pleases God.

Pray

Prayer is our time to talk to God. Let this prayer inspire your own conversations with God this week.

Heavenly Father,

You are a good father who has entrusted me with many gifts. Thank you for the air in my lungs, the people in my life, and each beautiful day. Thank you for giving me the ability to (name a skill or talent that God has given you). I am so grateful for all your blessings and the opportunity to invest in them.

Father, forgive me for allowing fear and comparison to keep me from using and sharing my gifts. I know I have squandered many of the things you meant for me to share by hiding them away. Please give me the courage to not play it safe, but instead to be willing to invest my resources and time in the things that matter to you.

Father, I trust in your plans for me. Help me to be faithful with all the gifts you have given me to honor you.

Amen

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your slot and spot! Remember, we please God when we are faithful with the gifts he has given us.

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. – 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

• Won’t Stop Now – Elevation Worship
• Firm Foundation – Maverick City Music
• Been So Good – Elevation Worship

Learn

This week, read through Matthew 25 and learn more about parables and what the Bible says about using the gifts God gives us.

Read

• Matthew 25:14-30
• You’ve Got Talent
• Why did Jesus Speak in Parables?

Watch

• Watch What Time Is It? – Pastor Brad Dreibelbis
• The Gospel of Matthew

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your slot and spot/discussions with others.

Have you ever wanted something that you thought was out of your reach, only to realize you already had everything you needed to achieve it?

• How does reflecting on that experience impact that way you view what you have?

Read Matthew 25:14-30.

• The gifts were divided between the servants “in proportion to their abilities”, so they did not each get equal amounts. Have you ever felt yourself caught in the comparison game? How did that affect your perspective on what you had?
• The third servant believed the master was harsh, so instead of using what he had been given, he kept it safe and hidden. How does the servant’s view of the master compare to your view of God? How has that view impacted the way you have stewarded your gifts?

What specific gifts has God entrusted to you?

• In what ways have you already invested in those gifts? How have you seen them grow in your life or in the lives of others?
• Are there any gifts that you have chosen to hide away? What holds you back from sharing them?
• If you stood before Jesus today, how would you explain the way you have used the gifts you have been given?

Next Steps

• God loves you and wants to spend time with you. Practice a Slot and Spot every day to invest in your relationship with him.
• You have gifts, skills, and a church community that wants to encourage you. Attend Plugged-In to find your place and part here at The Journey.
• You have more influence than you realize. If you are feeling called to invest more in leading others check out Journey Leadership Institute Evening Program.