PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL IMPACT

‘…You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord’” – Matthew 25:21b

In this new month, the Parable of the Talents is a good place to begin to examine PERSONAL and PROFESSIONAL IMPACT: “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord’” (Matt.25:21). God has not called us to the “ministry of maintenance” but to the Ministry of Multiplication. There is no stagnancy in our God. He is delighted when His children develop personally and professionally.

This parable illustrates that individuals are entrusted with God-given “talents” – natural abilities, skills, resources, and gifts – that should be actively cultivated and invested for divine purposes, not hoarded out of fear. This has personal and professional implications. Faithfulness in using our “talents” regardless of their initial quantity, leads to growth, increased responsibility, productivity, and greater rewards, while laziness and inaction result in loss and condemnation: “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away” (v.29).

In terms of making personal impact, believers are called to stewardship and accountability; to be good stewards of our unique gifts, whether they are natural talents, acquired skills, training, expertise, financial assets, or gifts of grace: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1Pet.4:10). Personal growth and development include using and investing in our abilities to multiply them, rather than letting them lie dormant. We are to engage in the faithful and diligent deployment of our resources, fostering gratitude for the blessings received, no matter how few. 

The principle of actively working to multiply what is entrusted to us also applies to professional pursuits. It is scriptural for us to desire to fulfil our potentials and to strive for success and growth in our career, vocation, profession, or other endeavours: “For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Jos.1:8b). Responsibility breeds trust. The master rewarded the faithful servants by giving them more significant responsibilities, a model for how professionals who prove their aptitudes gain greater trust and prospects. In contrast, a “wicked and lazy" attitude, leads to missed opportunities, professional decline, and the loss of what one possesses (vv.26-28). We must guard against such consequences of inaction.

The Bible encourages personal and professional development, viewing our God-given abilities, resources, and skills as gifts to be deployed and invested, not just for financial gain, but with the ultimate purpose of serving others and bringing Glory to God. In this new month, may the Lord grant us unique insight and instructions for rewarding personal and professional Impact.