Here in Matthew, we see a big problem with a lot of us today.

God gives every one of us resources and abilities. But, how do we choose to use them? Who do we use them for?

 

   In this parable, each servant was given a talent. A resource that each was given to keep until the Lord returned. Some more than others.  

   When we think of resources most of us think of tangible things like money, homes, businesses. Few think of time. One of the most precious gifts we have been given. Each moment is a gift.

  List your activities and their time consumption over the course of a week, you might be surprised at who and what is important in your life.

Look at the day you’ve just lived: What activities did we choose? How much time did each take? What were the results? This should reveal what is most important to us. Looking at this honestly will show us what we treasure.

   Some people spend their time according to desires. They want to relax, so they get home and watch television for the evening. Some love sports or recreation, so they use their time to research equipment, study teams. Desires are not bad, but they should not be the true desire of our life.

   Some people merely respond to circumstances for a majority of their day. They jump from one thing to the next, dealing with whatever appears in their world at the moment—whether personal, family, or business matters. But this style of living misses the mark.

   Loving and serving God and serving others are two biblical values that should, ideally, determine what we do with our time.

   Set aside a few minutes each evening to plan the next day. Then revisit how you spent the last 24 hours. This will help you to live purposefully. And in a way that is pleasing to God.