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Many of us desire abundance; we long for growth, financial stability, opportunities, and the ability to live a fulfilling life. We pray for increase, hoping for more resources, greater success, and the freedom to thrive. But the question is, are we truly prepared to receive it? Are we stewarding what we already have with faith and action?

In Matthew 25:18, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, where a servant, out of fear, buried what was entrusted to him instead of using it to produce more:

"But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money." – Matthew 25:18

This parable reminds us that abundance isn’t just about receiving more; it’s about what we do with what we’ve already been given.

This scripture helps us to think about how we handle the gifts, resources, and opportunities that God has given us. We can’t just hold on to what we have — being faithful to what we’ve been given means we have to trust and act, even when there is risk. If we want to experience abundance, we should be willing to step out in faith and invest what we’ve been given. This means stepping out even when it feels uncomfortable or we’re uncertain.

Playing It Safe Leads to Stagnation

In the parable, the servant who buried his talent out of fear wasn’t praised for preserving it — he was rebuked for his lack of action. The other servants, who invested and multiplied their talents, were rewarded for their faithfulness and courage. This lets us know that we can’t grow if we’re always playing it safe.

Sometimes we think we’re protecting ourselves by holding on tightly to what we have — that could be our money, our skills, or even our faith — but having this mindset can actually lead to stagnation. When we refuse to take risks, we limit what God can do in our lives. Faithfulness isn’t just about belief — it’s about action. God expects us to step out in faith and work with what we’ve been given. James 2:17 says, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

It’s easy to let fear stop us:
•    Fear of failure
•    Fear of loss
•    Fear of hard work
•    Fear of sacrifice

But it’s important to remember that trying and failing is better than doing nothing at all. God will honor our effort and our faithfulness; it’s about progress, not perfection. We can’t expect to receive an increase when we don’t even sow anything.

Recognizing the Wealth We Already Have

Abundance isn’t always about having more; sometimes it’s just about recognizing and being good stewards of what you already have. If you have a home, a job, food on the table, and some comforts — even if they’re not extravagant — you are already blessed. Gratitude shifts our mindset and changes it from scarcity to abundance.

But we can’t just have gratitude; that by itself isn’t enough. Being good stewards means taking what we’ve been given and making it grow. That might mean:

•    Investing in yourself through education or skill-building
•    Taking financial risks that have the potential to create an increase
•    Using your talents to serve others
•    Building and strengthening relationships
•    Trusting God enough to give generously, even when it stretches you

This is the principle of sowing and reaping; your faith and action determine the amount of your return. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV) says, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."

Don't Compare Your Talents

The parable also teaches that the master gave different amounts to each servant based on their ability. It’s very easy for us to compare ourselves to others, but our abilities are different. We can’t let ourselves feel inferior or superior to someone else. God knows exactly what we can handle, and He gives to us accordingly.

When we compare ourselves to others, it can lead to resentment and discouragement. Your path and your portion are not supposed to look like anyone else’s. Focus on what’s in your hands, not what’s in someone else’s.

An Open Hand Can Receive More

Holding on too tightly to what you have will block your increase. If your hands are closed, you can’t receive more. Faithfulness in stewardship means that you trust God enough to release some of what you have and reinvest what you’ve been given. That could mean:

•    Tithing or giving to others
•    Investing in a business or creative idea
•    Taking a step of faith in your career
•    Sharing your knowledge and gifts with others

Sometimes we’re asking God for an increase while refusing to let go of what’s in our hands. But faith is about release, not control.

Faithfulness is a Test

The parable of the talents lets us know that God tests our faithfulness through what He gives us. If we are faithful with a little, we will be trusted with more:

The scripture says, "You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things." – Matthew 25:21 

Are we passing the test? Are we showing God that we can handle more by how we manage what we already have? Increase will follow faithfulness. Money and opportunity will find their way to people who are responsible and those who take action.

It’s About More Than Money

The parable of the talents is not just about money, it’s about how we handle everything God has entrusted to us:

•    Faith – Are you growing in your relationship with God or staying stagnant?
•    Knowledge – Are you learning and expanding your understanding?
•    Skills – Are you sharpening your gifts and putting them to use?
•    Opportunities – Are you walking through open doors or letting fear hold you back?
•    Relationships – Are you nurturing and investing in the people around you?

Abundance is a mindset and a lifestyle. It’s not about chasing more — it’s about stewarding what you have with faith, courage, and trust. Stepping out in faith, even when you’re afraid, allows the doors of increase to open.

Don’t Bury Your Talent

Fear will tell you to bury your talent, to protect it and keep it safe — but faith will tell you to invest it, to step out, and to trust God with the outcome. Remember, growth requires risk, and abundance requires faith.

Take a look and evaluate what you’ve been given. Have you been responsible with it? Have you taken the risk to cultivate increase, or are you holding on tight, living with a scarcity mindset?

God wants us all to move forward in abundance. The path to increase begins with our faithful stewardship and trusting God enough to take action. Don’t bury your talent — invest it and watch God multiply it.