Story of the Talents

Samuel was the CEO of a large corporation.  He had built the company from the ground up.  It was his baby and was very careful about who he hired and who he put in charge.  After 15 years of long nights, lost sleep, and no vacation, Samuel decided he needed some time off to relax.  He called in three of his employees.

Andrew was the first employee he had called into his office.  Andrew had been with the company for 10 years.  He knew the ins and outs of the company and Sam knew Andrew would be reliable.  He didn't want to leave just anyone in charge of the company while he was gone.  He explained the situation to Andrew and told him he would be in charge of most of the company.  Andrew would have 10 people under him and he would be in charge of the finances.  Andrew agreed and was ready for his new responsibility.  Samuel reminded him that this company was his pride and joy and not to mess up anything.

Ramon was the second employee to be called into Samuel’s office.  Ramon had been with the company for 6 years and was pretty comfortable with the way the company worked.  Samuel told Ramon he would be in charge of 6 employees and the scheduling.  Ramon agreed and was ready for his new responsibility.  Samuel reminded him that this company was his pride and joy and not to mess up anything. Ramon became a little nervous but nodded anyway.

Dan was the third and final employee to be called into Samuel’s office.  He had been with the company for a year and half.  Samuel had enough confidence in Dan to give him some responsibility, but not too much.  He would be in charge of 2 employees and for ordering supplies when they started to run low.  Samuel reminded him that this company was his pride and joy and not to mess up anything.  Dan swallowed hard and he started sweating. 

The next day, Andrew, Ramon, and Dan began their new positions.  Andrew began his day by gathering his 10 employees and explaining how things were going to run while Samuel was gone.  They were divided up in to teams of two.  Each team had tasks they needed to complete.  They could have an hour and a half lunch and a fifteen minute break.  They also would have one vacation day, that Friday, as long as they completed the tasks for the week.  Andrew’s workers immediately got to work and he began working on the finances.

Ramon called in his six employees.  He divided his group in teams of two.  They each had certain tasks that needed to be completed by the end of the week.  They were told they could have an hour lunch each day and they could have two fifteen minute breaks.  If they completed their weekly task, they could leave early on Friday, with pay.  His employees immediately got to work and he began working on scheduling for the next week.

Dan called in his two employees.  He told them they need to complete a list of things by the end of the day Friday.  They were told they had to each complete a different list of items and could not team up.  They should not have time to fraternize while at work.  Dan also told the two employees they were not allowed to leave for lunch and they only had thirty minutes each day.  And under no circumstances were they allowed to take breaks or leave early.  In fact, they had to stay an extra hour that week.  His employees slowly walked down the stairs and went their separate ways to complete their tasks.  Dan stood at the window and watched each one work.  He made notes on a clip board every time he saw something he disapproved of.

By the end of the week, Andrew’s employees not only completed their tasks, but found time to do extra things they knew needed to be done as well.  Each employee worked hard for Andrew and was grateful for the paid vacation they received that Friday.  And not only that, Andrew increased the profits for the company by 25%.  He also cut some areas of spending and saved the company $800 a month.

Ramon’s employees also finished their tasks.  They each worked hard to make sure everything was done to perfection.  They were very grateful for half a day off that Friday.  Ramon was able to finagle the schedule in a way to make sure there would be coverage for every shift.  He also looked at the books to know which days were the busiest to make sure there was extra coverage during those times. 

Dan’s employees barely finished the tasks they were given.  They worked long hard hours but still did not finish.  Not only that, but they had to be paid over time, which cost the company extra money.  By the end of the week, the bathrooms were out of soap and paper towels.  Other supplies were so low that Dan’s employees were not able to complete a task or two.  For the supplies to be ordered in time, the company would have to spend $120 in expedited shipping.

Monday morning, Samuel walked back into his office with a nice tan and a great attitude.  He called Andrew, Ramon, and Dan into his office.   Samuel looked over the books and asked a few questions.  “I see that Andrew was able to cut spending in areas that I never noticed before.  Great job!  But I am confused as to why there were extra expenses this week that I have never had to have before.  Can you explain that Dan?”  Dan began stumbling over his words and explained that he was busy supervising his employees and not paying attention to the supplies. 

“And I see that your employees were able to finish all their normal tasks and then some in less time than normal, Andrew.  But, Dan, can you explain why your employees worked longer hours and still did not finish their jobs in the allotted time?”  Dan was sweating by now.  He tried to explain that he made sure they were working and he treated them in a way that he expected Samuel to treat them.

Samuel was very confused.  He did not understand the extra expenses, the limited supplies, the extra hours, and the incomplete work.  He looked straight at Dan.  “I am very disappointed.  I gave you very few responsibilities in hopes that you would step up and do great things with what I gave you.  But not only did you not do what was expected of you, you cost this company even more money.  Today is your last day.  Clean out your office.  You are fired.”  Dan hung his head and walked out of the office.

“And Ramon, you did a great job.  You worked hard and diligently.  Your employees did a great job this week.  I will keep you as supervisor over those employees and you will also stay in charge of scheduling.  You proved yourself worthy of this job.  Along with that you will receive a raise.”

“Andrew,” Sam began, “not only did you get your employees to work hard and finish their tasks, but you increased profits and saved us money.  You will stay supervisor over these ten employees and Dan’s other two.  Not only that, but I am promoting you to CFO of this company.  Congratulations!”

Just like Dan, Ramon, and Andrew, we are asked to be responsible in different aspects of life.  God has given each of us different talents and gifts.  He has entrusted us with them.  He wants us to use them for His glory.  He might have given you leadership, discernment, economical insight.  He might have given you the ability to speak, to write, to sing.  Whatever He has given you, He wants you to use.  Don’t sit on your gifts or talents.  Don’t hide them.  It is like the saying goes, “if you don’t use it, you lose it.”  That is very true. 

We can glorify God and edify man with the talents and gifts He has given to each of us only By God’s Amazing Grace.

(Based on Matthew 25:14-30)