“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.” Matthew 25:14–15 (NIV)
My friend Sue recently brought me a gift assortment of teas. The selection included pomegranate, blueberry, lime, French vanilla and mango flavors, to name just a few.
I love having so much variety to choose from, and when friends visit, they can pick one that suits their tastes. The boxes are all different colors, the aromas are unique, yet they are all tea.
As I was trying one of the unique blends, I thought about this parable in Matthew. Jesus talked about the master giving various gifts to His servants. Each one was blessed, but not all in the same way. We are all alike in our need of God’s love and forgiveness, in our humanity, in our dependence on Him. But Jesus taught us that God treats us as individuals, giving us individual gifts.
Sometimes I look at the gifts or responsibilities God has given someone else, and covet their path. But focusing on someone else can tempt me to bury my own gift instead of investing it in God’s kingdom. Instead, we can thank Him for treating each of us as dearly loved individuals with unique callings, and then embrace the gifts He places in our lives and ask Him to help us use them wisely. I enjoy the variety of flavors in tea and in people. And Jesus loves the variety we bring to His kingdom.
Faith step: Try a cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa in a unique flavor. Thank Jesus for the unique nature He’s given you, and that He values your individual qualities.
