What Will You Do With All That I Have Given You?
“What will you do with all that I have given you?”
Lately, I’ve been feeling insignifcant. I’m a four on the enneagram, so this isn’t exactly surprising. Nevertheless, it’s an unpleasant feeling. What impact am I making? I keep asking myself. I am just a stay-at-home mom.
Just is a strong word here. Just a mom. Just an accountant. Just a… you fill in the blank. A definition of just is “Simply; no more than.” (Thank you, google dictionary!). Just a stay at home mom. Why isn’t that enough?
“What will you do with all that I have given you?”
I heard this today while meditating with the Spirit, followed by a prophetic word by the women’s ministry leader, highlighting that God is pleased with the simplicity of my life. This led me to the “Parable of the Talents”- the story in the Bible Jesus tells of three servants being gifted by their master with “talents” (a type of money). Each servant is given a differing amount of money. The first two servants invest what they have been given, earning more to give back to the master. The final servant buries his money, returning only what he was originally given. The first two servants are rewarded with further responsibilities and the master’s joy. The final servant is thrown out, because he did not use what he was given (Matthew 25:14-30).
It is easy for me to view myself as just a stay-at-home mom, lacking in talents. The hustle culture surrounding us says a simple life is not a worthy life, and you must do more, more, more. But Jesus says, “Place my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls, because my yoke is pleasant, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)
Jesus does not call us to a complex life. He does not call us to a simple one. He calls us to a life lived simply for Him. We have each been given “talents” by the Lord, and it is our responsibility to use them for the betterment of his Kingdom. I am still identifiying what talents the Lord has given me, but I know whatever they are, I want to use them for his glory. I want to meet him on the day I enter his kingdom and return to him tenfold of what was given, so that he can say to me “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
To clarify, I am not suggesting we are saved by works. Justification takes care of that. But we can be sanctified by the Holy Spirit, led to use our gifts to honor and glorify God. May we each take the yolk of Christ upon us, knowing his burden is light and he will lead us where we are meant to go. Walk with Jesus beside you, let him guide your gifts, and, ultimately, bring glory to God.
A Prayer for our Gifts
Lord, You have given each of us a unique set of talents. Let us use these gifts to bring glory to your name. Guide us towards your redemption and grace, knowing we are saved by your goodness AND given the opportunity to live into your will. May I take your yolk upon myself and follow where you lead. Amen.
