Matthew 25:29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells an illustration about a man who entrusted to his three servants different amounts of money while he departed for a trip. To one he gave five talents, to one he gave two, and to the third he gave one talent. If you are familiar with the story you know that the first two went out and diligently doubled their money. However, the third one went and hid his one talent in the dirt. When the man returned, he was pleased with those who had used what was entrusted to them, but furious with the man who simply hid it in the ground. Jesus gives a summation of the lesson in Matthew 25:29 that encourages each believer to make the most of every gift God has placed in their hands. Here are a few takeaways to help you make the most of your opportunities:

• Everyone is entrusted with ability from God. 1 Peter 4:10 is a reminder that every believer has been given a gift that can be used to benefit the Kingdom of God. The best way to discover your gift is to engage in what you can do for God. If you see a need, fill it. If you see a hurt, heal it.

• You will be judged by how you handle what has been given, not what you have been given. Being a faithful steward of God’s gift is not about trying to accomplish or accumulate as much as someone else. Being a faithful steward is about handling the opportunities provided to you correctly.

• The greatest sin is to do nothing. God does not want to get back from you what He put into you. He wants what He put in you to grow, make a difference in you, and make a difference through you. Using your gifts and abilities for God may seem risky. Investing always seems risky, but as you entrust those gifts to God’s purpose, He adds His ability to yours.

Today’s Challenge: The world needs the gifts that God has placed inside of you. Respond to the opportunities around you with the gifts that God has put in you. As you use what God has placed in you, your life grows and makes room for more of His blessing in your life.