Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Don’t Compare or Compete with Others!

The Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30

A ‘talent’ was a measure of weight amounting to approximately 75 pounds and was often used to weigh out large amounts of gold.  For one servant to be entrusted with 5 x 75 lbs. of gold was a very large amount.  Even the servant who received one talent had a sizeable amount of starting capital to invest.   

Note that the Master’s servants were given different amounts of starting capital.  This difference was the sole choice of the Master, and this distribution difference was based upon the individual servant’s ability to manage the assets (v.15). 

Though not stated in this parable, but assumed, the servants were instructed to put the starting capital to work and grow it.  The first two did so and were rewarded by the Master for their obedience.  The third servant was punished because he disobeyed the Master’s instruction to increase the initial amount.  He was judged ‘wicked’ (disobedient) and lazy (he could have simply made a bank deposit).  His talent was given to the servant who had greater capacity to manage more. 

Any self-satisfaction measured by the number of people involved in your ministry is a foolish exercise.  You may be one who started with a large amount and are comparing yourself to another who started with less.  Your results could be deceptive given your starting assets.  “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).  We are simply to work as if to the Lord and let the results rest with Him (Colossians 3:23-25). 

Those who compare themselves to others are very unwise (2 Corinthians 10:12).  Keep your focus on Christ and do your best for His sake and for His glory alone.