You all know the Parable of the Talents. In the story, the master of the household distributes his money among three servants, then goes on a long trip. When the master comes back, two of the servants have doubled their master's investment. They used the talents he gave them to earn more, so now they each have twice as much as they had to begin with. The third servant went and buried his talent, maybe to make sure he wouldn't lose it. The servants who earned more talents are praised and rewarded, while the one who buried his talent is cast out.
In terms of writing, this means that if God has given me some talent, He expects me to double my ability through my own efforts. Maybe I have an ear for dialog, a solid sense of setting, and the ability to create charming and sympathetic characters, but I still need to learn to evoke powerful emotions, tell a strong story, and convey my ideas clearly. I'm sure there are other things I could learn that I haven't even got words for yet.
The great thing is, this means that no matter where I am now, I can learn more! I can get better! Talents are talents, whether granted or earned, and the only way I will lose them is by burying them up and not using them.
--Rebecca Carlson
Thanks Rebecca! I always think of this parable when I feel guilty for writing and not doing other things, like cleaning. It helps me to know that Heavenly Father wants me to take the time to develop my talent and improve, and hopefully add more talents. Thanks for all your wonderful guest posts!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so, so true. I often use this story to motivate myself and to help myself remember that God expects me to WORK for the gifts He has given. That He wants me to be more.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I love this parable and recall it often to remind myself that God requires that I use the gifts that He has given. He didn't give them just for me, but for the people that have not received Him, for the believers that are hurting.
ReplyDeleteWriting has changed my life and I pray I can grow this gift to help change the lives of others.
Great post!
LOVE this post!!! Thanks, this is really what I needed to hear. (And, Nikki, who says you don't need to improve on your cleaning 'talent' as well?...J/K!)
ReplyDeleteHahaha, Kristy. I can honestly say that housecleaning is one talent I don't mind burying! LOL!
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