In the Parable of the Talents, three people are evaluated for their management of the resources God entrusted to them. It is a fascinating look into what our future holds. We, too, will all experience a similar evaluation.

These managers had talents (or money or resources) that had been unequally divided among them: one manager had five, another had two, and the last had only one talent given to him.

The manager with five talents doubled his to ten. The manager with only two talents also increased them twofold, ending up with four. But the manager with only one talent simply held onto it.

Those who doubled their talents were commended for their good work with these words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of you master” (Matthew 25:23, ESV).

The man who only preserved his one talent received these harsh words:

“You wicked and slothful servant…you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest” (Matthew 26-27, ESV).

Of the many lessons in this parable, one is key—the Master has a clear expectation his managers will increase the resources entrusted to them, or at least try to.

Thus, the role of a steward who is found both good and faithful involves the wise management of risk.

The steward with only one talent simply preserved it, taking no risk. In a sense he was a faithful manager because he did not lose it, but he was not a good manager in that he never invested it for a return.

So how are we to manage risk as God’s stewards to multiply His resources?

First, our role as managers makes us responsible to multiply His kingdom, not our own. That means we must convert worldly resources placed in our care, which have no eternal value, into the expansion and strengthening of the God’s Kindgom.

Next, we must wisely evaluate how to put those resources at risk in God’s kingdom to gain an increase. Note in the parable that the doubling of talents didn’t happen overnight, but over “a long period.” This standard is within reach for anyone who applies the principle of “steady plodding.” The implication is that we are not to take needless chances, but measured and well-calculated risks with what God has given us.

This all important kingdom impact is accomplished through the good and faithful investment of the time, skills and resources entrusted to us. This is the ultimate measure of how we use our lives, and it determines our eternal reward.

Additional Resources

The Blueprint for Life study is designed to help you discover the life you were born to live!  The study contains a workbook and ten audio messages featuring Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Tony Evans, John Maxwell and others. Now available for digital download.  CLICK HERE to check it out!