Once upon a time, Mr. Carton, a very wealthy man, decided to go on a journey. Before leaving he asked three of his best employees to handle things while he was gone. He entrusted Alex with $5,000 because of his unquestionable devotion as well as his business skills. To Charles he gave $2,000 for he was very reliable and an accomplished worker in the field. Lastly, Mr. Carton provided Jerry with $1,000 because he was loyal and showed great promise. Then Mr. Carton went away.
Immediately Alex went to work. He researched opportunities and analyzed the market; he made wise investments and over time, reaped so much money that he made a profit of $5,000 and ended up with $10,000. Charles, too, worked hard. He managed the property and sold the goods the farm had produced. His knowledge of the land and untiring labor resulted in doubling his money as well, and he ended up with $4,000.
But Jerry was afraid to touch his money. He worried that he might lose it or, even worse, make bad decisions that would bring about debt. He believed Mr. Carton had used any means necessary to become the wealthy man he was and Jerry worried that he would be angry with him if he did not do the same. Actually, Jerry was afraid of Mr. Carton. So, he played it safe, dug a hole in the ground, and hid the money.
Two years later, Mr. Carton returned home and set up a meeting with the three men. They gathered in Carton’s home office and Alex, eager to share his news, stood up first. He presented Mr. Carton with a check for $10,000 and told him he had doubled his money! Mr. Carton smiled and said, “Well done, Alex! I am so pleased. Since you have done such a good job, I am going to promote you to Chief Administrator over all my estate.” Then Charles stood up, and grinning from ear to ear, he handed his boss a check for $4,000 and announced that, he, too, had doubled his money! Mr. Carton smiled and said, “Well done, Charles! I am so pleased. Since you have done such a good job, I am going to promote you to Head Supervisor of all my land.”
Jerry sat quietly. Mr. Carton smiled at him and asked, “How have things gone with you, Jerry?” Jerry replied, “Mr. Carton, I know you are a hard man and expected me to run things like you, doing anything to get what you want, but I was afraid I couldn’t do it, so I didn’t touch your money. But you can have it back anyway. Here it is.” And he handed Mr. Carton $1,000.
“You think I am a hard man?” Mr. Carton asked. “Where did you get this idea? You didn’t do anything while I was gone? How lazy of you! How irresponsible! You buried the money? How ridiculous! You could have at least put it in the bank so it would draw interest!” Then turning to Alex, he gave him the $1,000 and said, “Take this as a bonus. You deserve it. And as for you, Jerry? You’re fired! Leave the premises at once!”
Jesus told this little parable to his disciples when they were asking questions about the kingdom of God. I have a lot of questions I would like to ask God concerning this little parable! But here’s one thing that seems clear. God has given all of us talents and gifts, “each according to his ability.” (Matthew 25:15) The question for us is what are we doing with them?