Abraham Lincoln was born into poverty in Hodgenville, Kentucky, February 12, 1809. He was self-educated and became a lawyer, party leader, legislator, Congressman, and the 16 th President of the United States. Lincoln left a legacy of what it means to be a good steward of education by expanding his abilities.
In Matthew chapter twenty five Jesus speaks to the stewardship of talents. The Lord, in this parable, ruled his kingdom giving talents to his servants. Some were given five, some two, and others one.
The servant who received five talents went and traded the same making five more. Likewise the serving man with two talents doubled his in value. But the last man with one talent buried his Lord’s money.
The Lord returned to deal with his servants. The two who doubled their money were found faithful, became rulers, and were invited to enter into joy! The last hireling gave the excuse of fear for hiding his money. His talent was taken and given to another.
We can gain spiritual application from Jesus’ teaching on talents. It is not how many facilities we are given but rather how we put them to use. God gives us callings according to our individual abilities. When we walk in obedience using what we are given more abilities develop.
God does not measure our value according to abilities but rather desires to use our distinct individual characteristics for His kingdom. He is involved in our lives and rewards our efforts when we use the talents He has given us.
We may never become a U.S. President like Lincoln, but we can continually use our capacity to learn and serve. Fearfully burying gifts God has entrusted to us will hinder the rewards of servanthood. Let’s be good stewards bringing double glory and honor to our Lord. We’ll be blessed by experiencing great joy!
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; …
Matthew 25:15 a
Yes! We need to be using the gifts God has given us for is glory.
The sole purpose for God giving us gifts is to glorify Him!
Thanks Lisa I think we all hesitate on our gift, but we need to use our gift to glorify God because he has chosen us
Abolutely! We miss out on so many blessing and opportunites when we try to hide in fear. He does choose to use us!
I have such great admiration for President Lincoln. With courage, determination, and compassion, he led our country through our greatest challenge and preserved our union. We can learn much from him that can be applied today. Thank you, Lisa!
Katherine,
I too admire Lincoln. It took grit and dedication to walk America through dark times and stand for the freedom of those in slavery. His willingness to persevere gave us the United States as we know it today. He is one man who left a legacy to benefit all Americans.
Faithfulness to invest what God gives us. Thanks for these thoughts.
Debbie, thank you for your comments.