The One Talent Man

Song: A Beautiful Life

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

I’ve been the one talent man. I still am in the extent of my abilities. But I mean in my attitude toward service I’ve been the one talent man.

The one talent man glories in his thrift. He doesn’t waste what the Lord has entrusted him. He isn’t prodigal with His substance. He just doesn’t do anything with it. He buries his talent and benefits nobody by it. I’ve done that. It’s inexcusable.

The one talent man pities his meager abilities. Leave the teaching to the five talent man—after all, he’s better equipped. Leave the visiting to the two talent man—he has more time. I’ve found excuses for not doing my share. One talent men can do at least one talent’s worth of teaching and visiting. Self-pity brings God no profit.

The one talent man feigns seriousness. He was really only concerned about not causing the Lord any loss. He knew the Lord to be a hard man and didn’t want to make any poor investments so he just made none. I’ve done that too. The Lord knows the risks. He knows that I may say the wrong thing, or say too much, or over prepare, or fall on my face. But that’s no excuse to say nothing or do nothing for fear of falling. There’s no punishment for trying.

Watch the one talent mentality. There’s not anyone who claims to be a five talent man. That’s why the parable is about the one talent man. Avoid his mistakes. They’re easy to make. I know. I’ve been there.

Jason Moore