Money has always been a tricky subject for me—equal parts fascination and fear. I’ve tried to be a good steward of my resources, but I’ve often found myself wondering: Am I doing enough? Am I using what I’ve been given wisely? However, I turned to the Bible for wisdom and found myself deeply reflecting on the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30.

In the story, a man going on a journey entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money, referred to as “talents.” To one, he gives five talents; to another, two; and to a third, one—each according to their ability. The first two servants invest their talents and double their master’s money, while the third buries his talent in the ground, returning only what was initially given. When the master returns, he praises the first two for their faithfulness and rewards them with even greater responsibility. But the third servant faces harsh judgment for his inaction.

This parable hit me harder than I expected, especially verse 29:

“For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

I started asking myself some tough questions: How am I using what God has entrusted to me? Am I multiplying the resources He has given me, or am I burying them out of fear?

Fear vs. Faith

The third servant’s fear resonates with me. He admits in verse 25, “I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground.” How often do I let fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of risk—hold me back from making wise financial decisions? I’ve hesitated to invest, avoided starting that side hustle, or even missed opportunities to give generously because I was too focused on “playing it safe.”

But the parable shows that faithfulness isn’t about avoiding risk; it’s about trust and action. The first two servants didn’t know for certain that their investments would succeed, but they acted boldly, trusting that their efforts would honor their master.

Stewardship Is Responsibility

The parable also challenges the way I think about ownership. The talents weren’t the servants’ to keep—they belonged to their master. Similarly, everything I have—my income, my possessions, my skills—ultimately belongs to God. I’m not the owner; I’m the steward.

This perspective has changed how I approach budgeting, saving, and giving. It’s no longer just about what I can do for myself but how I can use my resources to glorify God and bless others. Whether it’s supporting a cause I care about, investing in my family’s future, or even taking time to mentor someone, stewardship extends beyond finances to include all the ways I can use my gifts for good.

A Call to Multiply

The master’s words to the first two servants are both inspiring and convicting:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21)

I want to hear those words someday. But that requires action. It means looking at what I’ve been given—no matter how small it seems—and asking how I can multiply it. For me, that’s meant learning about investing, setting clear financial goals, and being intentional about generosity.

It’s also meant trusting that God will bless my efforts when I act in faith. I’m learning to let go of the fear of losing and to focus instead on the joy of serving.

Final Thoughts

The Parable of the Talents isn’t just about money—it’s about life. It’s about using everything God has given us—time, skills, resources—for His glory. My personal finance journey isn’t perfect, but this story reminds me that what matters most is faithfulness, not perfection.

So, whether you have five talents, two, or even just one, don’t bury them. Invest them. Use them. Trust that God will multiply what you offer in faith.

And maybe, just maybe, one day we’ll hear those beautiful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

How does this resonate with you? Have you found ways to live out the principles of the Parable of the Talents in your financial journey?