Measuring Up

Parable of the Talents:
by Keven Stocks


I have always found the parable of the talents to be interesting. In Matthew 25, the parable begins with the master giving his goods to his servants. Verse 15 states: And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one. To every man according to his several ability, and stratightway took his journey.

Notice that the master did not give each servant the same amount. He gave to each according to their individual abilities. The first servant worked to increase his five talents to ten, the second servant increased his two talents to four, and the third servant buried his one talent to preserve what he had. Of interest to me is the master's response to the first servant in verse 21: Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

The second servant had started with fewer talents than the first and ended up with only four. The master's response to the second servant was identical to his response to the first servant. It was not a matter of comparing the first servant to the second servant, it was a matter of each being evaluated for what they did with what they were given. So, it is with us. It is not a matter of being compared to others, it is a matter of what we do with what we have been given.

In the eighth grade, I took a PE course. I came to this earth with a body that has a few odd parts., fortunately and, at times, unfortunately. The competitive spirit I came with far exceeds my physical capabilities. I proceeded to take this PE course, vowing to get an A. Unfortunately, pull-ups were a problem, rope climbing was not good, and several other requirements of the class presented me with major challenges.

At the end of the term, I received a C grade for my achievement in the course. I was devastated and just a bit concerned what my father would say. When I got home, dad looked at the grade and said, "Great! straight A's. I am proud of you!!" You see, the school reported two grades for every class, one grade for achievement (the C that I received) and one grade for effort. Dad only looked at the grade for effort. As long as my effort was A-level, the level of achievement was not a concern to dad.

As long as we do the best we can with what ever we are given in this life, it will be accepted by our Heavenly Father. We need not compare ourselves with others.

Keven Stocks is the director of the Shool of Accountancy, BYU Marriott School of Management. From Our Book of Life. Marriott Alumni Magazine. Fall 2008. pp.6-7.