The Parable of the Talents
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.'
His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'...
Reference: Matthew 25:14-30
The Steward of Gifts
A successful entrepreneur gave three employees different amounts of investment capital. One took big risks, doubling the money. The second invested cautiously but still doubled the funds. The third, fearful of failure, hid the money in a safe and made no progress. When the boss returned, he rewarded the first two employees but was disappointed in the third. This parable teaches us that God gives us unique talents and expects us to use them wisely. Jesus teaches that faith and trust in God require boldness, and we must take risks for the Kingdom, investing our gifts in others and not letting fear of failure hold us back.