A talk by Reverend Nick Garside, Priest in Charge Barlby Group
Time & Talents Notes
When you think of stewardship, the first thing that comes to mind is probably money. And while that’s important, biblical stewardship requires what are often described as the three T’s: time, talent, as well as treasure. Christians are well aware that we’re to give back to the Lord from our first fruits. Malachi 3:10 tells us,
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
And Romans 12:6-8 says:
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
But stewardship involves much more than our treasure.
We must acknowledge that God gives us many gifts, including time and talent, and we must give back a portion of them, as well, if we’re to be truly faithful stewards. You have been given skills and talents that the Lord wants to use for His Kingdom. Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. It reads:
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
So, with that in mind ... are you giving back a portion of your talents to God’s Kingdom? You might not think you have any talents to contribute, but that’s never the case. We all have skills and abilities that God can use. For example, if you’re in the business world, you have a unique opportunity to share the Gospel with those who don’t yet know Christ. You come in contact with many different people, like associates, customers, and vendors, and while doing that, you can make a strong witness for Christ by treating people with honesty and respect. It’s probably not a coincidence that when Jesus called the 12 disciples, many of them owned and operated businesses as tradesmen and commercial fishermen. It would only be reasonable to assume the disciples used their contacts and past relationships to witness for Christ.
So we all have God-given talents. Are you good with children? Those skills can be put to use in the church nursery or babysitting for a single parent in your neighbourhood who needs a break. Maybe you’re good at repairing cars, or you’re a great cook, or you like to paint. Or maybe you have time you can spend with an elderly shut-in down the street? Putting time and talents to work for others not only fulfils your calling for stewardship, it provides a great witnessing opportunity, by reflecting the love of Christ. So don’t think you have nothing to give. God can use just about anything to advance His Kingdom. For example, the staff of Moses in Exodus 4:3-4. It reads:
Then He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. But the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail”—so he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand.
The point is this: If God can use an ordinary object like a stick to perform miracles, imagine what He can do with you, a real, live person made in His image.
God wants you to give of your time and talents because He loves you and wants you to experience the spiritual blessings of giving. Now, how much time and talent you give back to God is between you and Him, and 2 Corinthians 9:6 can be helpful. It reads:
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
And Luke 12:48 tells us
Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
If you’re generous with your time and talents as well as your treasure, you’ll no doubt one day hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful steward. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Amen
Stewardship Prayer – Thomas Merton
Almighty God, we thank you for all the gifts You have given us: our lives, our loved ones, all that we have and all that we are. Most of all, we thank You for Jesus, your Son and our Redeemer, who came among us to show us the way to eternal life. Jesus was the perfect steward of your gifts, showing that complete trust in You is necessary, and that giving of self is a most important part of following Him. May the offerings of our time, our talents, and our material resources be made in the same spirit of sacrifice that Jesus taught us by His life and death for us. Amen.
