[Music] chapter 25 talents based on matthew 25 verses 13 through 30. christ on the mount of olives had spoken to his disciples of his second advent to the world he had specified certain signs that were to show when his coming was near and had bidden his disciples watch and be ready again he repeated the warning watch therefore for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh then he showed what it means to watch for his coming the time is to be spent not in idle waiting but in diligent working this lesson he taught in the parable of the talents the kingdom of heaven he said is as a man traveling into a far country who called his own servants and delivered unto them his goods and unto one he gave five talents to another two and to another one to every man according to his several ability and straightway took his journey the man traveling into a far country represents christ who when speaking this parable was soon to depart from this earth to heaven the bondservants or slaves of the parable represent the followers of christ we are not our own we have been bought with a price first corinthians 6 verse 20 not with corruptible things as silver and gold but with the precious blood of christ first peter 1 18-19 that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again second corinthians 5 15 all men have been bought with this infinite price by pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world by giving us in christ all heaven god has purchased the will the affections the mind the soul of every human being whether believers are unbelievers all men are the lord's property all are called to do service for him and for the manner in which they have met this claim all will be required to render an account at the great judgment day but the claims of god are not recognized by all it is those who profess to have accepted christ's service who in the parable are represented as his own servants christ's followers have been redeemed for service our lord teaches that the true object of life is ministry christ himself was a worker and to all his followers he gives the law of service service to god and to their fellow men here christ has presented to the world a higher conception of life than they had ever known by living to minister for others man is brought into connection with christ the law of service becomes the connecting link which binds us to god and to our fellow men to his servants christ commits his goods something to be put to use for him he gives to every man his work each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven each is to work in cooperation with christ for the salvation of souls not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for god the gifts of the holy spirit the talents that christ entrusts to his church represent especially the gifts and blessings imparted by the holy spirit from first corinthians 12 8 through 11 we read to one is given by the spirit the word of wisdom to another the word of knowledge by the same spirit to another faith by the same spirit to another the gifts of healing by the same spirit to another the working of miracles to another prophecy to another discerning of spirits to another diverse kinds of tongues to another the interpretation of tongues but all these worketh that one and the selfsame spirit dividing to every man severally as he will all men do not receive the same gifts but to every servant of the master some gift of the spirit is promised before he left his disciples christ breathed on them and saith unto them receive ye the holy ghost john 20 verse 22 again he said behold i send the promise of my father upon you luke 24 29 but not until after the ascension was the gift received in its fullness not until through faith and prayer the disciples had surrendered themselves fully for his working was the outpouring of the spirit received then in a special sense the goods of heaven were committed to the followers of christ when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men ephesians 4 verses 8 and 7. unto every one of us has given grace according to the measure of the gift of christ the spirit dividing to every man severally as he will first corinthians 12 11 the gifts are already ours in christ but their actual possession depends upon our reception of the spirit of god the promise of the spirit is not appreciated as it should be its fulfillment is not realized as it might be it is the absence of the spirit that makes the gospel ministry so powerless learning talents eloquence every natural or acquired endowment may be possessed but without the presence of the spirit of god no heart will be touched no sinner be one to christ on the other hand if they are connected with christ if the gifts of the spirit are theirs the poorest and most ignorant of his disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts god makes them the channel for the outworking of the highest influence in the universe other talents the special gifts of the spirit are not the only talents represented in the parable it includes all gifts and endowments whether original or acquired natural or spiritual all are to be employed in christ's service in becoming his disciples we surrender ourselves to him with all that we are and have these gifts he returns to us purified and ennobled to be used for his glory and blessing our fellow men to every man god has given according to his several ability the talents are not apportioned capriciously he who has ability to use five talents receives five he who can improve but two receives two he who can wisely use only one receives one none need lament that they have not received larger gifts for he who has a portion to every man is equally honored by the improvement of each trust whether it be great or small the one to whom five talents have been committed is to render the improvement of five he who has but one the improvement of one god expects returns according to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not second corinthians 8 verse 12. in the parable he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same and made them other five talents and likewise he that had received two he also gained other two the talents however few are to be put to use the question that most concerns us is not how much have i received but what am i doing with that which i have the development of all our powers is the first duty we owe to god and to our fellow men no one who is not growing daily in capability and usefulness is fulfilling the purpose of life in making a profession of faith in christ we pledge ourselves to become all that it is possible for us to be as workers for the master and we should cultivate every faculty to the highest degree of perfection that we may do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable the lord has a great work to be done and he will bequeath the most in the future life to those who do the most faithful willing service in the present life the lord chooses his own agents and each day under different circumstances he gives them a trial in his plan of operation in each true hearted endeavor to work out his plan he chooses his agents not because they are perfect but because through a connection with him they may gain perfection god will accept only those who are determined to aim high he places every human agent under obligation to do his best moral perfection is required of all never should we lower the standard of righteousness in order to accommodate inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrongdoing we need to understand that imperfection of character is sin all righteous attributes of character dwell in god as a perfect harmonious whole and everyone who receives christ as a personal savior is privileged to possess these attributes and those who would be workers together with god must strive for perfection of every organ of the body and quality of the mind true education is the preparation of the physical mental and moral powers for the performance of every duty it is the training of body mind and soul for divine service this is the education that will endure unto eternal life of every christian the lord requires growth in efficiency and capability in every line christ has paid us our wages even his own blood and suffering to secure our willing service he came to our world to give us an example of how we should work and what spirit we should bring into our labor he desires us to study how we can best advance his work and glorify his name in the world crowning with honor with the greatest love and devotion the father who so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life john 3 16 but christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter a noble all-round character is not inherited it does not come to us by accident a noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of christ god gives the talents the powers of the mind we form the character it is formed by hard stern battles with self conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies we shall have to criticize ourselves closely and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected let no one say i cannot remedy my defects of character if you come to this decision you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life the impossibility lies in your own will if you will not then you cannot overcome the real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart and an unwillingness to submit to the control of god many whom god has qualified to do excellent work accomplish very little because they attempt little thousands pass through life as if they had no definite object for which to live no standard to reach such will obtain a reward proportionate to their works remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set then set your mark high and step by step even though it be by painful effort by self-denial and sacrifice ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress let nothing hinder you fate has not woven its meshes about any human being so firmly that he need remain helpless and in uncertainty opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them the breaking down of one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward press with determination in the right direction and circumstances will be your helpers not your hindrances be ambitious for the master's glory to cultivate every grace of character in every phase of your character building you are to please god this you may do for enoch pleased him through living in a degenerate age and there are enochs in this our day stand like daniel that faithful statesman a man whom no temptation could corrupt do not disappoint him whose soul loved you that he gave his own life to cancel your sins he says without me ye can do nothing john 15 5. remember this if you have made mistakes you certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning thus you turn defeat into victory disappointing the enemy and honoring your redeemer a character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next those who are under the instruction of christ in this world will take every divine attainment with them to the heavenly mansions and in heaven we are continually to improve how important then is the development of character in this life the heavenly intelligences will work with the human agent who seeks with determined faith that perfection of character which will reach out to perfection in action to everyone engaged in this work christ says i am at your right hand to help you as the will of man cooperates with the will of god it becomes omnipotent whatever is to be done at his command may be accomplished in his strength all his biddings are enablings mental faculties god requires the training of the mental faculties he designs that his servants shall possess more intelligence and clearer discernment than the whirling and he is displeased with those who are too careless or too indolent to become efficient well-informed workers the lord bids us love him with all the heart and with all the soul and with all the strength and with all the mind this lays upon us the obligation of developing the intellect to its fullest capacity that with all the mind we may know and love our creator if placed under the control of his spirit the more thoroughly the intellect is cultivated the more effectively it can be used in the service of god the uneducated man who is consecrated to god and who longs to bless others can be and is used by the lord in his service but those who with the same spirit of consecration have had the benefit of a thorough education can do a much more extensive work for christ they stand on vantage ground the lord desires us to obtain all the education possible with the object in view of imparting our knowledge to others none can know where or how they may be called to labor or to speak for god our heavenly father alone sees what he can make of men there are before us possibilities which our feeble faith does not discern our minds should be so trained that if necessary we can present the truths of his word before the highest earthly authorities in such a way as to glorify his name we should not let slip even one opportunity of qualifying ourselves intellectually to work for god let the youth who need an education set to work with a determination to obtain it do not wait for an opening make one for yourselves take hold in any small way that presents itself practice economy do not spend your means for the gratification of appetite or in pleasure seeking be determined to become as useful and efficient as god calls you to be be thorough and faithful in whatever you undertake procure every advantage within your reach for strengthening the intellect let the study of books be combined with useful manual labor and by faithful endeavor watchfulness and prayer secure the wisdom that is from above this will give you an all-round education thus you may rise in character and gain an influence over other minds enabling you to lead them in the path of uprightness and holiness far more might be accomplished in the work of self-education if we were awake to our own opportunities and privileges true education means more than the colleges can give while the study of the sciences is not to be neglected there is a higher training to be obtained through a vital connection with god let every student take his bible and place himself in communion with the great teacher let the mind be trained and disciplined to wrestle with hard problems in search for divine truth those who hunger for knowledge that they may bless their fellow men will themselves receive blessing from god through the study of his word their mental powers will be aroused to earnest activity there will be an expansion and development of the faculties and the mind will acquire power and efficiency self-discipline must be practiced by everyone who would be a worker for god this will accomplish more than eloquence or the most brilliant talents an ordinary mind well disciplined will accomplish more and higher work than will the most highly educated mind and the greatest talents without self-control speech the power of speech is a talent that should be diligently cultivated of all the gifts we have received from god none is capable of being a greater blessing than this with the voice we convince and persuade with it we offer prayer and praise to god and with it we tell others of the redeemer's love how important then that it be so trained as to be most effective for good the culture and right use of the voice are greatly neglected even by persons of intelligence and christian activity there are many who read or speak in so low or so rapid a manner that they cannot be readily understood some have a thick indistinct utterance others speak in a high key and sharp shrill tones that are painful to the hearers texts hymns and the reports and other papers presented before public assemblies are sometimes read in such a way that they are not understood and often so that their force and impressiveness are destroyed this is an evil that can and should be corrected on this point the bible gives instruction of the levites who read the scriptures to the people in the days of ezra it is said they read in the book in the law of god distinctly and gave the sense and caused them to understand the reading nehemiah 8 verse 8 by diligent effort all may acquire the power to read intelligibly and to speak in a full clear round tone in a distinct and impressive manner by doing this we may greatly increase our efficiency as workers for christ every christian is called to make known to others the unsearchable riches of christ therefore he should seek for perfection in speech he should present the word of god in a way that will commend it to the hearers god does not design that his human channels shall be uncouth it is not his will that men shall belittle or degrade the heavenly current that flows through him to the world we should look to jesus the perfect pattern we should pray for the aid of the holy spirit and in his strength we should seek to train every organ for perfect work especially is this true of those who are called to public service every minister and every teacher should bear in mind that he is giving to the people a message that involves eternal interests the truth spoken will judge them in the great day of final reckoning and with some souls the manner of the one delivering the message will determine its reception or rejection then let the word be so spoken that it will appeal to the understanding and impress the heart slowly distinctly and solemnly should it be spoken yet with all the earnestness which its importance demands the right culture and use of the power of speech has to do with every line of christian work it enters into the home life and into all our intercourse with one another we should accustom ourselves to speak unpleasant tones to use pure and correct language and words that are kind and courteous sweet kind words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul the scripture says of christ that grace was poured into his lips that he might know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary psalm 45 verse 2 and isaiah 50 verse 4 and the lord bids us let your speech be always with grace colossians 4 6 that it may minister grace unto the hearers ephesians 4 verse 29 in seeking to correct or reform others we should be careful of our words they will be a saver of life unto life or of death unto death in giving reproof or counsel many indulge in sharp severe speech words not adapted to heal the wounded soul by these ill-advised expressions the spirit is chafed and often the airing ones are stirred to rebellion all who would advocate the principles of truth need to receive the heavenly oil of love under all circumstances reproof should be spoken in love then our words will reform but not exasperate christ by his holy spirit will supply the force and the power this is his work not one word is to be spoken unadvisedly no evil speaking no frivolous talk no fretful repining or impure suggestion will escape the lips of him who is following christ the apostle paul writing by the holy spirit says let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth ephesians 4 29 a corrupt communication does not mean only words that are vile it means any expression contrary to holy principles and pure and undefiled religion it includes impure hints and covert insinuations of evil unless instantly resisted these lead to great sin upon every family upon every individual christian is laid the duty of barring the way against corrupt speech when in the company of those who indulge in foolish talk it is our duty to change the subject of conversation if possible by the help of the grace of god we should quietly drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable channel it is the work of parents to train their children to proper habits of speech the very best school for this culture is the home life from the earliest years the children should be taught to speak respectfully and lovingly to their parents and to one another they should be taught that only words of gentleness truth and purity must pass their lips let the parents themselves be daily learners in the school of christ then by precept and example they can teach their children the use of sound speech that cannot be condemned titus 2 verse 8. this is one of the greatest and most responsible of their duties as followers of christ we should make our words such as to be a help and an encouragement to one another in the christian life far more than we do we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience we should speak of the mercy and loving kindness of god of the matchless depths of the savior's love our words should be words of praise and thanksgiving if the mind and heart are full of the love of god this will be revealed in the conversation it will not be a difficult manner to impart that which enters into our spiritual life great thoughts noble aspirations clear perceptions of truth unselfish purposes yearnings for piety and holiness will bear fruit and words that reveal the character of the heart treasure when christ is thus revealed in our speech it will have power and winning souls to him we should speak of christ to those who know him not we should do as christ did wherever he was in the synagogue by the wayside in the boat thrust out a little from the land at the pharisees feast or the table of the publican he spoke to men of the things pertaining to the higher life the things of nature the events of daily life were bound up by him with the words of truth the hearts of his hearers were drawn to him for he had healed their sick had comforted their sorrowing ones and had taken their children in his arms and blessed them when he opened his lips to speak their attention was riveted upon him and every word was to some soul a saver of life unto life so it should be with us wherever we are we should watch for opportunities of speaking to others of the savior if we follow christ's example in doing good hearts will open to us as they did to him not abruptly but with tact born of divine love we can tell them of him who is the chiefest among ten thousand and the one altogether lovely canticles five verses ten and sixteen this is the very highest work in which we can employ the talent of speech it was given to us that we might present christ as the sin pardoning savior influence the life of christ was an ever widening shoreless influence and influence that bound him to god and to the whole human family through christ god has invested man with an influence that makes it impossible for him to live to himself individually we are connected with our fellow men a part of god's great whole and we stand under mutual obligations no man can be independent of his fellow men for the well-being of each affects others it is god's purpose that each shall feel himself necessary to others welfare and seek to promote their happiness every soul is surrounded by an atmosphere of its own an atmosphere it may be charged with the life-giving power of faith courage and hope and sweet with the fragrance of love or it may be heavy and chill with the gloom of discontent and selfishness or poisonous with the deadly taint of cherished sin the atmosphere surrounding us every person with whom we come in contact is consciously or unconsciously affected this is a responsibility from which we cannot free ourselves our words our acts our dress our deportment even the expression of the countenance has an influence upon the impression thus made there hang results for good or evil which no man can measure every impulse thus imparted is seed sown which will produce its harvest it is a link in the long chain of human events extending we know not wither if by our example we aid others and the development of good principles we give them power to do good in their turn they exert the same influence upon others and they upon still others thus by our unconscious influence thousands may be blessed throw a pebble into the lake and a wave is formed and another and another and as they increase the circle widens until it reaches the very shore so with our influence beyond our knowledge or control it tells upon others in blessing or incursing character is power the silent witness of a true unselfish godly life carries an almost irresistible influence by revealing in our own life the character of christ we cooperate with him in the work of saving souls it is only by revealing in our life his character that we can cooperate with him and the wider the sphere of our influence the more good we may do when those who profess to serve god follow christ's example practicing the principles of the law in their daily life when every act bears witness that they love god supremely and their neighbor as themselves then will the church have power to move the world but never should it be forgotten that influence is no less a power for evil to lose one's own soul is a terrible thing but to cause the loss of other souls is still more terrible that our influence should be a saver of death unto death as a fearful thought yet this is possible many who profess to gather with christ are scattering from him this is why the church is so weak many indulge freely in criticism and accusing by giving expression to suspicion jealousy and discontent they yield themselves as instruments to satan before they realize what they are doing the adversary has through them accomplished his purpose the impression of evil has been made the shadow has been cast the arrows of satan have found their mark distrust unbelief and downright infidelity have fastened upon those who otherwise might have accepted christ meanwhile the workers for satan look complacently upon those whom they have driven to skepticism and who are now hardened against reproof and entreaty they flatter themselves that in comparison with these souls they are virtuous and righteous they do not realize that these sad wrecks of character are the work of their own unbridled tongues and rebellious hearts it is through their influence that these tempted ones have fallen so frivolity selfish indulgence and careless indifference on the part of professed christians are turning away many souls from the path of life many there are who will fear to meet at the bar of god the results of their influence it is only through the grace of god that we can make a right use of this endowment there is nothing in us of ourselves by which we can influence others for good if we realize our helplessness and our need of divine power we shall not trust to ourselves we know not what results a day an hour or a moment may determine and never should we begin the day without committing our ways to our heavenly father his angels are appointed to watch over us and if we put ourselves under their guardianship then in every time of danger they will be at our right hand when unconsciously we are in danger of exerting a wrong influence the angels will be by our side prompting us to a better course choosing our words for us and influencing our actions thus our influence may be a silent unconscious but mighty power in drawing others to christ and the heavenly world time our time belongs to god every moment is his and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to his glory of no talent he has given will he require a more strict account than of our time the value of time is beyond computation christ regarded every moment as precious and it is thus that we should regard it life is too short to be trifled away we have but a few days of probation in which to prepare for eternity we have no time to waste no time to devote to selfish pleasure no time for the indulgence of sin it is now that we are to form characters for the future immortal life it is now that we are to prepare for the searching judgment the human family have scarcely begun to live when they begin to die and the world's incessant labor ends in nothingness unless a true knowledge in regard to eternal life is gained the man who appreciates time as his working day will fit himself for a mansion and for a life that is immortal it is well that he was born we are admonished to redeem the time but time squandered can never be recovered we cannot call back even one moment the only way in which we can redeem our time is by making the most of that which remains by being co-workers with god in his great plan of redemption in him who does this a transformation of character takes place he becomes a son of god a member of the royal family a child of the heavenly king he is fitted to be the companion of the angels now is our time to labor for the salvation of our fellow men there are some who think that if they give money to the cause of christ this is all they are required to do the precious time in which they might do personal service for him passes unimproved but it is the privilege and duty of all who have health and strength to render to god active service all are to labor and winning souls to christ donations of money cannot take the place of this every moment is freighted with eternal consequences we are to stand as minutemen ready for service at a moment's notice the opportunity that is now ours to speak to some needy soul the word of life may never offer again god may say to that one this night thy soul shall be required of thee and through our neglect he may not be ready luke 12 20. in the great judgment day how shall we render our account to god life is too solemn to be absorbed in temporal and earthly matters in a treadmill of care and anxiety for the things that are but an atom in comparison with the things of eternal interest yet god has called us to serve him in the temporal affairs of life diligence in this work is as much a part of true religion as his devotion the bible gives no endorsement to idleness it is the greatest curse that afflicts our world every man and woman who is truly converted will be a diligent worker upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture the cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty humble origin or unfavorable surroundings only let the moments be treasured a few moments here and a few there that might be frittered away in aimless talk the morning hours so often wasted in bed the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars or waiting at the station the moments of waiting for meals waiting for those who are tardy and keeping an appointment if a book were kept at hand and these fragments of time were improved in study reading or careful thought what might not be accomplished a resolute purpose persistent industry and careful economy of time will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness it is the duty of every christian to acquire habits of order thoroughness and dispatch there is no excuse for slow bungling at work of any character when one is always at work and the work is never done it is because mind and heart are not put into the labor the one who is slow and who works at a disadvantage should realize that these are faults to be corrected he needs to exercise his mind in planning how to use the time so as to secure the best results by tact and method some will accomplish as much in five hours as others do in ten some who are engaged in domestic labor are always at work not because they have so much to do but because they do not plan so as to save time by their slow dilatory ways they make much work out of very little but all who will may overcome these fussy lingering habits in their work let them have a definite aim decide how long a time is required for a given task and then bend every effort toward accomplishing the work in the given time the exercise of the will power will make the hands move deftly through lack of determination to take themselves in hand and reform persons can become stereotyped in a wrong course of action or by cultivating their powers they may acquire ability to do the very best of service then they will find themselves in demand anywhere and everywhere they will be appreciated for all that they are worth by many children and youth time is wasted that might be spent in carrying home burdens and thus showing a loving interest in father and mother the youth might take upon their strong young shoulders many responsibilities which someone must bear the life of christ from his earliest years was a life of earnest activity he lived not to please himself he was the son of the infinite god yet he worked at the carpenter's trade with his father joseph his trade was significant he had come into the world as the character builder and as such all his work was perfect into all his secular labor he brought the same perfection as into the characters he was transforming by his divine power he is our pattern parents should teach their children the value and right use of time teach them that to do something which will honor god and bless humanity is worth striving for even in their early years they can be missionaries for god parents cannot commit a greater sin than to allow their children to have nothing to do the children soon learn to love idleness and they grow up shiftless useless men and women when they are old enough to earn their living and find employment they work in a lazy droning way yet expect to be paid as much as if they were faithful there is a worldwide difference between this class of workers and those who realize that they must be faithful stewards indolent careless habits indulged in secular work will be brought into the religious life and will unfit one to do any efficient service for god many who through diligent labor might have been a blessing to the world have been ruined through idleness lack of employment and of steadfast purpose opens the door to a thousand temptations evil companions and vicious habits deprave mind and soul and the result is ruined for this life and for the life to come whatever the line of work in which we engage the word of god teaches us to be not slothful in business fervent in spirit serving the lord whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might knowing that of the lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the lord christ romans 12 11 ecclesiastes 9 10 and colossians 3 verse 24. health health is a blessing of which few appreciate the value yet upon it the efficiency of our mental and physical powers largely depends our impulses and passions have their seat in the body and it must be kept in the best condition physically and under the most spiritual influences in order that our talents may be put to the highest use anything that lessens physical strength in feebles the mind and makes it less capable of discriminating between right and wrong we become less capable of choosing the good and have less strength of will to do that which we know to be right the misuse of our physical powers shortens the period of time in which our lives can be used for the glory of god and it unfits us to accomplish the work god has given us to do by allowing ourselves to form wrong habits by keeping late hours by gratifying appetite at the expense of health we lay the foundation for feebleness by neglecting physical exercise by overworking mind or body we unbalance the nervous system those who thus shorten their lives and unfit themselves for service by disregarding nature's laws are guilty of robbery toward god and they are robbing their fellow men also the opportunity of blessing others the very work for which god sent them into the world has by their own course of action been cut short and they have unfitted themselves to do even that which in a briefer period of time they might have accomplished the lord holds us guilty when by our injurious habits we thus deprive the world of good transgression of physical law is transgression of the moral law for god is as truly the author of physical laws as he is the author of the moral law his law is written with his own finger upon every nerve every muscle every faculty which has been entrusted to man and every misuse of any part of our organism is a violation of that law all should have an intelligent knowledge of the human frame that they may keep their bodies in the condition necessary to do the work of the lord the physical life is to be carefully preserved and developed that through humanity the divine nature may be revealed in its fullness the relation of the physical organism to the spiritual life is one of the most important branches of education it should receive careful attention in the home and in the school all need to become acquainted with their physical structure and the laws that control natural life he who remains in willing ignorance of the laws of his physical being and who violates them through ignorance is sinning against god all should place themselves in the best possible relation to life and health our habits should be brought under the control of a mind that is itself under the control of god know ye not says the apostle paul that your body is the temple of the holy ghost which is in you which ye have of god and ye are not your own for ye are bought with a price therefore glorify god in your body and in your spirit which are gods first corinthians 6 19 19-20 strength we are to love god not only with all the heart mind and soul but with all the strength this covers the full intelligent use of the physical powers christ was a true worker in temporal as well as in spiritual things and into all his work he brought a determination to do his father's will the things of heaven and earth are more closely connected and are more directly under the supervision of christ than many realize it was christ who planned the arrangement for the first earthly tabernacle he gave every specification in regard to the building of solomon's temple the one who in his earthly life worked as a carpenter in the village of nazareth was the heavenly architect who marked out the plan for the sacred building where his name was to be honored it was christ who gave to the builders of the tabernacle wisdom to execute the most skillful and beautiful workmanship he said see i have called by name bezalil the son of uri the son of her of the tribe of judah and i have filled him with the spirit of god in wisdom and in understanding and in knowledge and in all manner of workmanship and i behold i have given with him a holiev the son of a hisamac of the tribe of dan and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted i have put wisdom that they may make all that i have commanded thee exodus 31 verses 2 through 6. god desires that his workers in every line shall look to him as the giver of all they possess all right inventions and improvements have their source in him who is wonderful in council and excellent in working the skillful touch of the physician's hand his power over nerve and muscle his knowledge of the delicate organism of the body is the wisdom of divine power to be used in behalf of the suffering the skill with which the carpenter uses the hammer the strength with which the blacksmith makes the anvil ring comes from god he has entrusted men with talents and he expects them to look to him for counsel whatever we do in whatever department of the work we are placed he desires to control our minds that we may do perfect work religion and business are not two separate things they are one bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements they are to be united in all human pursuits in mechanical and agricultural labors in mercantile and scientific enterprises there must be cooperation in everything embraced in christian activity god has proclaimed the principles on which alone this cooperation is possible his glory must be the motive of all who are laborers together with him all our work is to be done from love to god and in accordance with his will it is just as essential to do the will of god when erecting a building as when taking part in a religious service and if the workers have brought the right principles into their own character making then in the erection of every building they will grow in grace and knowledge but god will not accept the greatest talents or the most splendid service unless self is laid upon the altar a living consuming sacrifice the root must be holy else there can be no fruit acceptable to god the lord made daniel and joseph shrewd managers he could work through them because they did not live to please their own inclination but to please god the case of daniel has a lesson for us it reveals the fact that a businessman is not necessarily a sharp policy man he can be instructed by god at every step daniel while prime minister of the kingdom of babylon was a prophet of god receiving the light of heavenly inspiration worldly ambitious statesmen are represented in the word of god as the grass that groweth up and as the flower of the grass that fadeth yet the lord desires to have in his service intelligent men men qualified for various lines of work there is need of businessmen who will weave the grand principles of truth into all their transactions and their talents should be perfected by most thorough study and training if men in any line of work need to improve their opportunities to become wise and efficient it is those who are using their ability in building up the kingdom of god in our world of daniel we learned that in all his business transactions when subjected to the closest scrutiny not one fault or error could be found he was a sample of what every businessman may be his history shows what may be accomplished by one who consecrates the strength of brain and bone and muscle of heart and life to the service of god money god also entrusts men with means he gives them power to get wealth he waters the earth with the dews of heaven and with the showers of refreshing rain he gives the sunlight which warms the earth awakening to life the things of nature and causing them to flourish and bear fruit and he asks for a return of his own our money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify ourselves as faithful stewards we are to use it for the honor and glory of god some think that only a portion of their means is the lord's when they have set apart a portion for religious and charitable purposes they regard the remainder as their own to be used as they see fit but in this they mistake all we possess is the lord's and we are accountable to him for the use we make of it in the use of every penny it will be seen whether we love god supremely and our neighbor as ourselves money has great value because it can do great good in the hands of god's children it is food for the hungry drink for the thirsty and clothing for the naked it is a defense for the oppressed and a means of help to the sick but money is of no more value than sand only as it is put to use in providing for the necessities of life and blessing others and advancing the cause of christ hoarded wealth is not merely useless it is a curse in this life it is a snare to the soul drawing the affections away from the heavenly treasure in the great day of god its witness to unused talents and neglected opportunities will condemn its possessor the scripture says go to now ye rich man weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth eaten your gold and silver is cankered and the rest of them shall bear witness against you and shall eat your flesh as it were fire ye have heaped treasure together for the last days behold the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields which is of you kept back by fraud crieth and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the lord of sabaioth james 5 verses 1 through 4 but christ sanctions no lavish or careless use of means his lesson in economy gather up the fragments that remain that nothing be lost is for all his followers john 6 12 he who realizes that his money is a talent from god we'll use it economically and will feel it a duty to save that he may give the more means we expend in display and self-indulgence the less we can have to feed the hungry and clothe the naked every penny used unnecessarily deprives the spender of a precious opportunity of doing good it is robbing god of the honor and glory which should flow back to him through the improvement of his entrusted talents kindly impulses and affections kindly affections generous impulses and a quick apprehension of spiritual things are precious talents and lay their possessor under a weighty responsibility all are to be used in god's service but here many air satisfied with the possession of these qualities they fail to bring them into active service for others they flatter themselves that if they had opportunity if circumstances were favorable they would do a great and good work but they are awaiting the opportunity they despise the narrowness of the poor niggered who grudges even a pittance to the needy they see that he is living for self and that he is responsible for his misused talents with much complacency they draw the contrast between themselves and such narrow-minded ones feeling that their own condition is much more favorable than that of their mean sold neighbors but they are deceiving themselves the mere possession of unused qualities only increases their responsibility those who possess large affections are under obligation to god to bestow them not merely on their friends but on all who need their help social advantages are talents and are to be used for the benefit of all within reach of our influence the love that gives kindness to only a few is not love but selfishness it will not in any way work for the good of souls or the glory of god those who thus leave their masters talents unimproved are even more guilty than are the ones for whom they feel such contempt to them it will be said ye knew your master's will but did it not talents multiplied by use talents used are talents multiplied success is not the result of chance or of destiny it is the outworking of god's own providence the reward of faith and discretion a virtue and persevering effort the lord desires us to use every gift we have and if we do this we shall have greater gifts to use he does not supernaturally endow us with the qualifications we lack but while we use that which we have he will work with us to increase and strengthen every faculty by every wholehearted earnest sacrifice for the master's service our powers will increase while we yield ourselves as instruments for the holy spirit's working the grace of god works in us to deny old inclinations to overcome powerful propensities and to form new habits as we cherish and obey the promptings of the spirit our hearts are enlarged to receive more and more of his power and to do more and better work dormant energies are aroused and palsied faculties receive new life the humble worker who obediently responds to the call of god may be sure of receiving divine assistance to accept so great and holy responsibility is itself elevating to the character it calls into action the highest mental and spiritual powers and strengthens and purifies the mind and heart through faith in the power of god it is wonderful how strong a weak man may become how decided his efforts how prolific of great results he who begins with a little knowledge in a humble way and tells what he knows while seeking diligently for further knowledge will find the whole heavenly treasure awaiting his demand the more he seeks to impart light the more light he will receive the more one tries to explain the word of god to others with a love for souls the plainer it becomes to himself the more we use our knowledge and exercise our powers the more knowledge and power we shall have every effort made for christ will react in blessing upon ourselves if we use our means for his glory he will give us more as we seek to win others to christ bearing the burden of souls in our prayers our own hearts will throb with the quickening influence of god's grace our own affections will glow with more divine fervor our whole christian life will be more of a reality more earnest more prayerful the value of man is estimated in heaven according to the capacity of the heart to know god this knowledge is the spring from which flows all power god created man that every faculty might be the faculty of the divine mind and he is ever seeking to bring the human mind into association with the divine he offers us the privilege of cooperation with christ in revealing his grace to the world that we may receive increased knowledge of heavenly things looking unto jesus we obtain brighter and more distinct views of god and by beholding we become changed goodness love for our fellow men becomes our natural instinct we develop a character which is the counterpart of the divine character growing into his likeness we enlarge our capacity for knowing god more and more we enter into fellowship with the heavenly world and we have continually increasing power to receive the riches of the knowledge and wisdom of eternity the one talent the man who received the one talent went and digged in the earth and hid his lord's money it was the one with the smallest gift who left his talent unimproved and this is given a warning to all who feel that the smallness of their endowments excuses them from service for christ if they could do some great thing how gladly would they undertake it but because they can serve only in little things they think themselves justified in doing nothing in this they air the lord in his distribution of gifts is testing character the man who neglected to improve his talent proved himself an unfaithful servant had he received five talents he would have buried them as he buried the one his misuse of the one talent showed that he despised the gifts of heaven he that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much luke 16 10. the importance of the little things is often underrated because they are small but they supply much of the actual discipline of life there are really no non-essentials in the christian's life our character building will be full of peril while we underrate the importance of the little things he that is unjust in the least is unjust also and much by unfaithfulness and even the smallest duties man robs his maker of the service which is his due this unfaithfulness reacts upon himself he fails of gaining the grace the power the force of character which may be received through an unreserved surrender to god living apart from christ he is subject to satan's temptations and he makes mistakes in his work for the master because he is not guided by right principles and little things he fails to obey god in the great matters which he regards as his special work the defects cherished in dealing with life's minor details pass into more important affairs he acts on the principles to which he has accustomed himself thus actions repeated form habits habits form character and by the character our destiny for time and for eternity is decided only by faithfulness in the little things can the soul be trained to act with fidelity under larger responsibilities god brought daniel and his fellows into connection with the great men of babylon that these heathen men might become acquainted with the principles of true religion in the midst of a nation of idolaters daniel was to represent the character of god how did he become fitted for a position of so great trust and honor it was his faithfulness in the little things that gave complexion to his whole life he honored god in the smallest duties and the lord cooperated with him to daniel and his companions god gave knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom and daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams daniel 1 verse 17 as god called daniel to witness for him in babylon so he calls us to be his witnesses in the world today in the smallest as well as the largest affairs of life he desires us to reveal to men the principles of his kingdom christ in his life on earth taught the lesson of careful attention to the little things the great work of redemption weighed continually upon his soul as he was teaching and healing all the energies of mind and body were taxed to the utmost yet he noticed the most simple things in life and in nature his most instructive lessons were those in which by the simple things of nature he illustrated the great truths of the kingdom of god he did not overlook the necessities of the humblest of his servants his ear heard every cry of need he was awake to the touch of the afflicted woman in the crowd the very slightest touch of faith brought a response when he raised from the dead the daughter of jairus he reminded her parents that she must have something to eat when by his own mighty power he rose from the tomb he did not disdain to fold and put carefully in the proper place the grave clothes in which he had been laid away the work to which as christians we are called is to cooperate with christ for the salvation of souls this work we have entered into covenant with him to do to neglect the work is to prove disloyal to christ but in order to accomplish this work we must follow his example of faithful conscientious attention to the little things this is the secret of success in every line of christian effort and influence the lord desires his people to reach the highest round of the latter that they may glorify him by possessing the ability he is willing to bestow through the grace of god every provision has been made for us to reveal that we act upon better plans than those upon which the world acts we are to show a superiority and intellect in understanding in skill and knowledge because we believe in god and in his power to work upon human hearts but those who have not a large endowment of gifts need not become discouraged let them use what they have faithfully guarding every weak point in their characters seeking by divine grace to make it strong into every action of life we are to weave faithfulness and loyalty cultivating the attributes that will enable us to accomplish the work habits of negligence should be resolutely overcome many think it is sufficient excuse for the grossest errors to plead forgetfulness but do they not as well as others possess intellectual faculties then they should discipline their minds to be retentive it is a sin to forget a sin to be negligent if you form a habit of negligence you may neglect your own soul's salvation and at last find that you are unready for the kingdom of god great truths must be brought into little things practical religion is to be carried into the lowly duties of daily life the greatest qualification for any man is to obey implicitly the word of the lord because they are not connected with some directly religious work many feel that their lives are useless that they are doing nothing for the advancement of god's kingdom but this is a mistake if their work is that which someone must do they should not accuse themselves of uselessness in the great household of god the humblest duties are not to be ignored any honest work is a blessing and faithfulness in it may prove a training for higher trusts however lowly any work done for god with a full surrender of self is as acceptable to him as the highest service no offering is small that is given with true heartedness and gladness of soul wherever we may be christ bids us take up the duty that presents itself if this is in the home take hold willingly and earnestly to make home a pleasant place if you are a mother train your children for christ this is as verily a work for god as is that of the minister in the pulpit if your duty is in the kitchen seek to be a perfect cook prepare food that will be healthful nourishing and appetizing and as you employ the best ingredients in preparing food remember that you are to give your mind the best thoughts if it is your work to till the soil or to engage in any other trade or occupation make a success of the present duty put your mind on what you are doing in all your work represent christ do as he would do in your place however small your talent god has a place for it that one talent wisely used will accomplish its appointed work by faithfulness and little duties we are to work on the plan of addition and god will work for us on the plan of multiplication these littles will become the most precious influences in his work let a living faith run like threads of gold through the performance of even the smallest duties then all the daily work will promote christian growth there will be a continual looking unto jesus love for him will give vital force to everything that is undertaken thus through the right use of our talents we may link ourselves by a golden chain to the higher world this is true sanctification for sanctification consists in the cheerful performance of daily duties and perfect obedience to the will of god but many christians are waiting for some great work to be brought to them because they cannot find a place large enough to satisfy their ambition they fail to perform faithfully the common duties of life these seem to them uninteresting day by day they let slip opportunities for showing their faithfulness to god while they are waiting for some great work life passes away its purpose is unfulfilled its work unaccomplished the talents returned after a long time the lord of those servants cometh and reckoneth with them when the lord takes account of his servants the return from every talent will be scrutinized the work done reveals the character of the worker those who have received the five and the two talents return to the lord the entrusted gifts with their increase in doing this they claim no merit for themselves their talents are those that have been delivered to them they have gained other talents but there could have been no gain without the deposit they see that they have done only their duty the capital was the lord's the improvement is his had not the savior bestowed upon them his love and grace they would have been bankrupt for eternity but when the master receives the talents he approves and rewards the workers as though the merit were all their own his countenance is full of joy and satisfaction he is filled with delight that he can bestow blessings upon them for every sacrifice and service he requites them not because it is a debt he owes but because his heart is overflowing with love and tenderness well done thou good and faithful servant he says thou has been faithful over a few things i will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy lord it is the faithfulness the loyalty to god the loving service that wins the divine approval every impulse of the holy spirit leading men to goodness and to god is noted in the books of heaven and in the day of god the workers through whom he has wrought will be commended they will enter into the joy of the lord as they see in his kingdom those who have been redeemed through their instrumentality and they are privileged to participate in his work there because they have gained a fitness for it by participation in his work here what we shall be in heaven is the reflection of what we are now in character and holy service christ said of himself the son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister matthew 20 verse 28. this his work on earth is his work in heaven and our reward for working with christ in this world is the greater power and wider privilege of working with him in the world to come then he which had received the one talent came and said lord i knew thee that thou art and hard man reaping where thou hast not sown and gathering where thou hast not strewed and i was afraid and went and hid thy talent in the earth lo there thou hast that is thine thus men excuse their neglect of god's gifts they look upon god as severe and tyrannical as watching to spy out their mistakes and visit them with judgments they charge him with demanding what he has never given with reaping where he has not sown there are many who in their hearts charge god with being a hard master because he claims their possessions and their service but we can bring to god nothing that is not already his all things come of thee said king david and of thine own we have given thee first chronicles 29 14 all things are god's not only by creation but by redemption all the blessings of this life and of the life to come are delivered to us stamped with the cross of calvary therefore the charge that god is a hard master reaping where he has not sown is false the master does not deny the charge of the wicked servant unjust as it is but taking him on his own ground he shows that his conduct is without excuse ways and means had been provided whereby the talent might have been improved to the owner's profit thou honest he said to have put my money to the exchangers and then at my coming i should have received mine own with usury our heavenly father requires no more or less than he has given us ability to do he lays upon his servants no burdens that they are not able to bear he knoweth our frame he remembereth that we are dust psalm 103 14. all that he claims from us we through divine grace can render unto whomsoever much is given of him shall much be required luke 12 48 we shall individually be held responsible for doing one jot less than we have ability to do the lord measures with exactness every possibility for service the unused capabilities are as much brought into account as are those that are improved for all that we might become through the right use of our talents god holds us responsible we shall be judged according to what we ought to have done but did not accomplish because we did not use our powers to glorify god even if we do not lose our souls we shall realize in eternity the result of our unused talents for all the knowledge and ability that we might have gained and did not there will be an eternal loss but when we give ourselves holy to god and in our work follow his directions he makes himself responsible for its accomplishment he would not have us conjecture as to the success of our honest endeavors not once should we even think of failure we are to cooperate with one who knows no failure we should not talk of our own weakness and inability this is a manifest distrust of god a denial of his word when we murmur because of our burdens or refuse the responsibilities he calls upon us to bear we are virtually saying that he is a hard master that he requires what he has not given us power to do the spirit of the slothful servant we are often feigned to call humility but true humility is widely different to be clothed with humility does not mean that we are to be dwarfs in intellect deficient in aspiration and cowardly in our lives shunning burdens lest we fail to carry them successfully real humility fulfills god's purposes by depending upon his strength god works by whom he will he sometimes selects the humblest instrument to do the greatest work for his power is revealed through the weakness of men we have our standard and by it we pronounce one thing great and another small but god does not estimate according to our rule we are not to suppose that what is great to us must be great to god or that what is small to us must be small to him it does not rest with us to pass judgment on our talents or to choose our work we are to take up the burdens that god appoints bearing them for his sake and ever going to him for rest whatever our work god is honored by wholehearted cheerful service he is pleased when we take up our duties with gratitude rejoicing that we are accounted worthy to be co-laborers with him the talent removed upon the slothful servant the sentence was take therefore the talent from him and give it unto him which hath ten talents here as in the reward of the faithful worker is indicated not merely the reward at the final judgment but the gradual process of retribution in this life as in the natural so in the spiritual world every power unused will weaken and decay activity is the law of life idleness is death the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit with all first corinthians 12 7 employed to bless others his gifts increase shut up to self-serving they diminish and are finally withdrawn he who refuses to impart that which he has received will at last find that he has nothing to give he is consenting to a process that surely dwarfs and finally destroys the faculties of the soul let none suppose that they can live a life of selfishness and then having served their own interests enter into the joy of their lord in the joy of unselfish love they could not participate they would not be fitted for the heavenly courts they could not appreciate the pure atmosphere of love that pervades heaven the voices of the angels and the music of their harps would not satisfy them to their minds the science of heaven would be as an enigma in the great judgment day those who have not worked for christ those who have drifted along carrying no responsibility thinking of themselves pleasing themselves will be placed by the judge of all the earth with those who did evil they receive the same condemnation many who profess to be christians neglect the claims of god and yet they do not feel that in this there is any wrong they know that the blasphemer the murderer the adulterer deserves punishment but as for them they enjoy the services of religion they love to hear the gospel preached and therefore they think themselves christians though they have spent their lives in caring for themselves they will be as much surprised as was the unfaithful servant in the parable to hear the sentence take the talent from him like the jews they mistake the enjoyment of their blessings for the use they should make of them many who excuse themselves from christian effort plead their inability for the work but did god make them so incapable no never this inability has been produced by their own inactivity and perpetuated by their deliberate choice already in their own characters they are realizing the result of the sentence take the talent from him the continual misuse of their talents will effectually quench for them the holy spirit which is the only light the sentence cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness sets heaven's seal to the choice which they themselves have made for eternity you