Oswald Chambers said, “God who made the birds never made bird cages. It’s men who make bird cages [and put people in them] and after a while we become cramped and can do nothing but chirp and stand on one leg.”

In one of his parables Jesus illustrated how everybody is responsible for making good use of the talents he or she has been given. The one who had been given ten talents invested them wisely and was rewarded accordingly. The man who had only one talent and sat on it, lost it.

This principle is true in many areas of life. A few years ago I snapped an Achilles tendon—twice in a three-month period. I was on crutches for several months. When I was back on both feet again, my right leg was very weak and my calf muscle had already shrunk from lack of use. I had to have intensive physical therapy to get its use and strength back again.

What we don’t use we take the risk of losing. This is true in various areas of life. And as Jesus’ parable intended to teach us, it is even more applicable when it comes to using our gifts and talents for the Kingdom of God and investing them in eternal values.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for the talents you have entrusted to me. Help me to invest and use them wisely for your Kingdom. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Matthew 25:25 (NIV).