One of the most challenging parables Jesus told is the story of the Ten Servants in Luke 19:11–27. A nobleman was leaving on a journey, so he entrusted money to ten servants and instructed them, “Do business until I come back.” When he returned, he asked each servant to give an account of what they had done with what they were given.
Some multiplied it. One hid it.
The message is clear: God gives every person something—and He expects us to use it.
Too many people spend life focused on what they do not have, while neglecting what they do have. Jesus calls us to a different mindset.
1. You Have Been Given Something
Every servant in the parable received a mina. No one was overlooked.
Likewise, God has placed something in your hands:
- Abilities
- Time
- Experience
- Wisdom
- Relationships
- Resources
- Spiritual gifts
- Opportunities
You may not have the same gifts as someone else, but you are not empty-handed.
1 Peter 4:10 says:
“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
The question is not whether you have something. The question is whether you are using it.
2. Stop Comparing and Start Stewarding
One servant gained ten more. Another gained five. Both were commended.
God did not compare them against each other. He rewarded faithfulness.
Comparison wastes energy. Stewardship builds fruitfulness.
Many people stay stuck because they keep saying:
- “I wish I had their talent.”
- “I wish I had their platform.”
- “I wish I had their opportunities.”
Meanwhile, their own mina sits unused.
Use what God gave you.
3. Playing It Safe Can Be Costly
One servant hid his mina in a cloth and returned it untouched. He thought caution was wisdom.
But fear can become disobedience.
Some bury their gifts because of:
- Fear of failure
- Fear of criticism
- Fear of rejection
- Fear of starting late
- Fear of not being enough
But buried potential blesses no one.
You do not need guarantees before obeying God.
4. Small Things Can Become Great Things
The mina was not a fortune, but in faithful hands it multiplied.
Never despise small beginnings:
- A small Bible study
- A few music students
- A kind word
- A prayer habit
- A business idea
- Serving quietly in church
- Encouraging one person
God often begins with little and grows it over time.
Zechariah 4:10 says:
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
5. One Day There Will Be an Account
The nobleman returned and asked, “What did you do with what I gave you?”
That is a sobering and motivating truth.
One day we will answer for how we used our lives, our time, our gifts, and our opportunities.
Not how famous we became.
Not how rich we became.
Not how admired we became.
But how faithful we were.
6. Start Now
Some people are waiting for the perfect season, the perfect setup, the perfect confidence.
Start now.
Use the voice you have.
Use the strength you have.
Use the wisdom you have.
Use the contacts you have.
Use the experience you have.
Use the little you have.
Faithfulness today often becomes influence tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Jesus’ parable reminds us that heaven values action, courage, and stewardship.
You’ve been given something.
Maybe it seems small. Maybe it feels ordinary. Maybe others overlook it.
But if God gave it to you, it matters.
So stop burying it.
Stop comparing it.
Stop delaying it.
You’ve been given something—now use it.
