There is a parable contained in the book of Matthew that is familiar to most. It is the parable of the talents, where three men were given talents (money) to invest. [St. Matthew 25: 14 ? 30]. They received five, two and one talents from their Master, who then went away and told them to put their monies to work. The two who received five and two talents invested it and made a 100% return. The man with the one talent failed to invest it, but hid it. When the Master returned the two who made interest were pleasing to Him, but the other was a disgrace He punished him and took away his talent and gave it to the one who had ten. His Master had expectations of him, but he failed Him miserably.
The book of Ecclesiastes summarizes the responsibility of man. The author, King Solomon, sought out all the pleasures life has to offer, and I would like to think he did find it. He had multiple wives and concubines, riches that cannot be likened to, men- and women servants, vineyards, musicians, wisdom and sound counsel, popularity and the list goes on. After he had received the ?it?, in his great wisdom he declared that everything was vanity, and concluded that man?s duty was to fear God and keep His commandments. His exact words are, ?Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.? [Ecclesiastes 12: 12 ? 14].
Like the men in the parable we have all received talents from God, and if we are not working to make a profit for His Kingdom then we are truly failing God! It doesn?t matter what this life offers us, if we are not doing our duty, our whole duty, we are failing at our task. But do not think for a minute that our failing God makes Him desperate, for He is all-powerful and self-sufficient. Like the man who failed to invest his money we will be cast out, away from God?s presence. Like the Church in Laodicea we must not become stagnant, lukewarm; we must be active. [Revelation 3: 14 ? 22]. Either we live for Christ or die and gain life, but let?s not ?hide? the gift and talents God has given.