I know what you are going to say – I’ve heard this concept before. And I am going to say, you probably need to hear it again because it is important. So, here it goes!
Often when businesses are at the concept or starting phase, they need “seed capital.” They usually get that from “angels” (investors/friends) or venture capitalists (VC’s). You need to know that when you were born the “seed capital” existed in God’s foreknowledge of what He knew you would need to fulfill your role and reach your Kingdom position. It is necessary to have an open heart to accept and receive the favors He designed for you. They will not be like those of anyone else. You must also be willing to use your talents to the best of your ability. You should not condemn, talk down, or minimize what you have been given; in fact, your first responsibility is to recognize your personal uniqueness. Only after you have embraced your design will you be able to properly seek guidance for using your Father’s design of gifts and talents. Tracy and I were actually commanded to help you do that. When you embrace His favors and your uniqueness, your joy will be full, and you will be able to work “as unto the Lord.”
That is exactly what the first two fellows did in Christ’s parable of the talents. (Matthew 25:14 – 30) They used the abilities God designed for them and put their talents to work. God blessed them for using what they had—not what someone else had. You will notice that their talents are never compared to the others; neither did they complain about the talents they were given. When it came time to settle the accounts, each servant volunteered the results of his efforts. Each man understood that he alone was responsible for what he had been given.
In my own life, I never quite understood the truth of this concept until I read what Civil War era writer Bertrand Shadwell explained so clearly. This African-American poet really “got it.”
There’s a king and captain high, and He’s coming by and by,
And He’ll find me hoeing cotton when He comes.
You can hear His legions charging in the regions of the sky,
And He’ll find me hoeing cotton when He comes.
There’s a Man they thrust aside, who was tortured till He died,
And He’ll find me hoeing cotton when He comes.
He was hated and rejected, He was scorned and crucified,
And He’ll find me hoeing cotton when He comes.
When He comes! When He comes!
He’ll be crowned by saints and angels when He comes.
They’ll be shouting out Hosanna! To the Man that men denied,
And I’ll kneel among my cotton when He comes.
Society may cause biases toward certain aptitudes, honoring one talent as more valuable than another, but God does not see things that way anymore than He sees greater or lesser sin. The only way you can see your innate abilities properly is through a Kingdom (or timeless) view. Otherwise, you fall into the trap of comparison and lose your ability to joyously celebrate others’ success.
Feel blessed that you have been gifted uniquely and know that the gift was with the end in sight!
Love Dad