The servants who were given five and two came back with five more and two more. They could have thought, I will give back to my master what he gave me only. Why should I give him what I earned out of my wits and bones? That is mine - not his. But they knew that they were stewards. All they have and all they are, are his. Because they thought so, the Master was very pleased and they were given more than they could ever earn. Because they were faithful in small things, he kept them in charge of greater things. More was given to them to exercise stewardship. Their master was full of praises to them.
Secondly the Master doesn't look at productivity, but loyalty and faithfulness. Notice the same words of praise to the one who was given five and to the one who was given two. He doesn't label the man with two as inferior to the man with five. Both are rewarded. The Master doesn't expect the one with two, to earn five more.
Thirdly the Master expected the servant who was given, one, to atleast do something with it and earn a little. Even a little, for it was accordung to their abilities that he had given them. But this one, compared with others and said that the Master is partial. He said, his friends were given more and he less. He thought the Master was selfish. So he thought nothing of giving back to him.
Of course, the Master is God. You might be the servant with five or two or one. God forbid, may you not have the last one's destiny.
What is it that you have that you have not received? Can you keep anything for yourself? Anything which you can claim as your own? Your education - you were given the opportunity and privilege. Your talents - given. Your strongholds and strengths - given. Your family, your assets, your children - given. There is nothing, that you can claim to have earned from nothing. From absolute zero. Hence the natural response is to give it back to the owner. You are just a steward.
And yes, if you bury it deep down and not use it wisely - that is arrogance and because of your pride. You don't want to be answerable. What you have given me, I will give it back. Nothing more.
To tell the truth, we all have that servant with one, in us all. It is all mine, my hardwork. Oh! He has more and I have less.
When will it be driven hard into our minds that we are just stewards and not owners? Then we will be able to let go. Then we will be able to strive hard. Then we will be able to give back fully.
Image credit: https://scripturesight.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-parable-of-talents-and.html?m=1
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