Introduction

In every generation, people are born with special abilities, ideas, and strengths that can make a difference in the world. Yet many young people and even institutions struggle with how to discover and use those gifts. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 gives us a timeless lesson about responsibility, faithfulness, and purpose. It reminds us that God gives each of us something valuable, not to hide or fear, but to develop and use for His glory and the good of others.

As the American writer Henry Van Dyke once said, “Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.” This literally means ‘don’t wait until you are perfect before you act’. Use whatever skills you have now, because even small contributions matter.

This truth still speaks powerfully to our time. We are not called to compare ourselves with others, but to use what we have been given faithfully.

The meaning of the parable

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of a master who gives three servants a share of his property before traveling away. One receives five talents, another two, and the third one. The first two servants use what they were given wisely and earn more. When the master returns, he praises them, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But the third servant, out of fear, hides his talent in the ground and returns it unused. The master rebukes him for wasting what was given.

The story teaches us that God has trusted each person with something unique, skills, time, knowledge, or opportunities. These “talents” are not only about money; they represent our abilities and potential. God expects us to grow and multiply what He has placed in us. The one who hid his gift lost it, showing the danger of fear, laziness, or neglect.

As one preacher said, “God never created anyone empty; He placed something in every heart that the world needs.” This literally means every person has a special ability or purpose that can help others. No one is useless.

The challenge is to discover what that is, and to use it faithfully.

Understanding talent and gift

A talent is a natural ability or skill, something you can do well, often with training and effort. It can be singing, designing, leading, solving problems, or encouraging others.

A gift, especially a spiritual one, comes directly from God through the Holy Spirit. It enables a believer to serve others in ways that build up the community of faith, such as teaching, helping, or giving encouragement.

Both talents and gifts have one purpose: to serve others and honor God. When you discover your ability and use it with love and excellence, you live a life of purpose.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:6, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” This literally means that everyone has different abilities because God gives grace in different ways. We should value our differences instead of comparing ourselves.

Discovering your gift

Finding your gift or talent begins with reflection and humility. You can ask God to show you what He created you to do. Often, your gift is hidden in what gives you joy, peace, and satisfaction. Notice the things you do that come naturally and bless others.

People around you, friends, mentors, teachers, can also help you see what you might not notice about yourself. They may recognize your leadership, creativity, or compassion before you do. Trying new things, volunteering, or taking part in community and university projects can also reveal where your strengths lie.

Albert Schweitzer once said, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” Which means that the real reason we live is to be kind and useful to others, not just to think about ourselves.

Most importantly, gifts grow through use. A talent that is ignored becomes weak, but one that is practiced and developed becomes powerful.

The role of institutions in nurturing talent

Institutions, such as universities, churches, and workplaces, play a key role in helping people discover and grow their potential. A good institution should not only teach knowledge but also identify and develop hidden abilities in its members.

For example, universities can observe how students perform in projects, presentations, and teamwork. They can organize exhibitions, innovation fairs, or competitions where creativity can shine. Mentorship programs allow experienced people to guide the younger ones, helping them understand their strengths.

Institutions can also create open environments where people are encouraged to take initiative and try new ideas without fear of failure. When people feel trusted and supported, their talents flourish.

As management expert Peter Drucker once said, “The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become.” This means that the biggest loss in life is not using our full potential. Many people could do great things, but never try.

The importance of using our gifts

Using our talents is not just about personal success; it is an act of stewardship. In Romans 12, Paul reminds believers to use their gifts diligently for the benefit of all. Every skill and idea can be used to serve, inspire, and build the community. When we use our talents, we find purpose and direction. We grow in confidence and maturity, and our work begins to have meaning beyond ourselves. Our gifts make a difference; they help our families, our schools, our churches, and our nations.

Spiritually, using our God-given ability is an act of worship. It honors the Creator who entrusted it to us. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace,” which literally means that we must use our abilities to help others because they are blessings from God, not for selfish use.

The cost of not using our gifts

The servant who hid his talent in the ground was not punished because he stole or destroyed it, but because he did nothing with it. The same happens today: when we ignore our potential, we lose opportunities to grow, to serve, and to inspire others. Unused gifts often lead to frustration, fear, or regret. Many people reach later stages of life, realizing they never explored what they were capable of doing.

Poet Marianne Williamson once said, “Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”
which means that you shouldn’t hide your abilities to make others comfortable. Be bold in using your gifts; it helps everyone.

In life and in faith, doing nothing is never neutral; it is a form of waste. The world loses when people hide what they could have given. God calls us to be productive, creative, and courageous, not fearful or idle.

Lessons for today’s youth

Today’s youth are full of creativity, energy, and vision. But many are unsure how to direct that energy. The Parable of the Talents challenges young people to take responsibility for their potential. Your university years, your job, or your community service are not just steps toward success; they are opportunities to grow what God has placed in you.

Do not compare your gift with others’. The master in the parable gave talents “each according to their ability.” What matters is faithfulness, not quantity. Whether your talent seems small or great, use it with purpose and excellence.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “There is no passion to be found in playing small in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” This means that never limit yourself. Aim to do all that you can, because living below your potential brings no joy or fulfilment.

Lessons for institutions

Institutions must learn to invest in people. Building talent means believing that every person has something to contribute. It means creating systems of mentorship, training, recognition, and encouragement. When an institution cultivates the gifts of its members, it becomes a living, growing community that shapes society for the better.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Talents is a story but also it is a call to action. Each of us has something valuable that can bless others and glorify God. We are stewards, not owners, of our gifts. The question is not whether we have talent, but whether we are using it.

To the youth: be courageous. Use your gift, even when it feels small. Do not hide your light.
To institutions: nurture the gifts within your people. Create spaces where potential can grow.
And to everyone: remember that true success is faithfulness. When we use our talents for the good of others, we invest in eternity.

As Jesus said, “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). this means that the more blessings or abilities we have, the more God expects us to use them wisely.)

May we all live in a way that, at the end of our journey, we will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

References and suggested Reading

·       The Holy Bible

·       Van Dyke, Henry. Collected Poems (1904).

·       Drucker, Peter. The Effective Executive. Harper & Row, 1967.

·       Williamson, Marianne. A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles.” HarperOne, 1992.

·       Schweitzer, Albert. The Philosophy of Civilization. Prometheus Books, 1987.

·       “The Parable of the Talents.” Theology of Work Project. https://www.theologyofwork.org

·       Discovering Spiritual Gifts.” Ministry Magazine. https://www.ministrymagazine.org

·       The Parable of the Talents and Modern Stewardship.” Geneva College Blog. https://www.geneva.edu/blog