THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS IN MATTHEW 25:14–30

BY ESAYAS EMENE ENICHA (REV.)

The congregations’ inefficiency of gain is related to their understanding of salvation. Initially, the gospel was preached focusing on liberation of souls, and, on the other hand, practical aspects like helping others, working for social transformation of the community were not taken as an integral part of salvation. In this regard, the shortcomings happened because of the approach of the missionaries when they started evangelism. This seems realistic; conversely, the Mafo congregation, which was established by indigenous missionaries, is efficiently making diaconal work an important part of their Christianity. Moreover, later on, the rise of prosperity gospel which emphasises more individual blessing than living for the benefit of others, contributed to the impracticality of gain. Thus, because of the influence of such teachings, congregations in the SWS hold in esteem members who are rich and professionals who have different skills, but do not share what they have with the needy. Further, congregation members who get political responsibilities do not work effectively for economic and social transformation of the community.

Therefore, it seems realistic to conclude that congregations in the SWS are burying their talents. Though the congregations have the potential of transforming, a deeply rooted misunderstanding of what a holistic approach means has ineffectiveness in use of talents as its consequence. Thus, they applied the failure of the third servant who buried his talent especially to diaconal activities.

On the other hand, the faithful servants could be rewarded here in this world by upgrading their responsibility, and they will inherit everlasting life. Conversely, the ignorant servant loses both. Indeed, not sharing one’s talents with others could be strongly highlighted, because the Bible takes it as serious.

Thus, in order to maximize the use of talents, it could be taught in church worship, Sunday schools, confirmation classes, theological schools. Furthermore, the church could strengthen the focus in order to establish the concept and practice of use of talents at all levels of the church structure. Finally, it has been observed that experience of sharing among the congregations and institutions is the power of change, thus, experience of sharing among churches or organizations should be strongly highlighted.