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the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen .
. . —2 Corinthians 1:20
Jesus’ parable of
the talents recorded in Matthew
25:14-30 was a warning that it is possible for us to misjudge our
capacities. This parable has nothing to do with natural gifts and abilities,
but relates to the gift of the Holy Spirit as He was first given at Pentecost.
We must never measure our spiritual capacity on the basis of our education or
our intellect; our capacity in spiritual things is measured on the basis of the
promises of God. If we get less than God wants us to have, we will falsely
accuse Him as the servant falsely accused his master when he said, “You expect more of me than you gave me the power to do. You
demand too much of me, and I cannot stand true to you here where you have
placed me.” When it is a question of God’s Almighty Spirit, never say, “I
can’t.” Never allow the limitation of your own natural ability to enter into
the matter. If we have received the Holy Spirit, God expects the work of the
Holy Spirit to be exhibited in us.
The servant
justified himself, while condemning his lord on every point, as if to say,
“Your demand on me is way out of proportion to what you gave to me.” Have we
been falsely accusing God by daring to worry after He has said, “But seek first
the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added
to you”? (Matthew
6:33). Worrying means exactly what this servant implied— “I know your
intent is to leave me unprotected and vulnerable.” A person who is lazy in the
natural realm is always critical, saying, “I haven’t had a decent chance,” and
someone who is lazy in the spiritual realm is critical of God. Lazy people
always strike out at others in an independent way.
Never forget that
our capacity and capability in spiritual matters is measured by, and based on,
the promises of God. Is God able to fulfill His promises? Our answer depends on
whether or not we have received the Holy Spirit.
(Taken from Oswald Chambers – “My Utmost
for His Highest” April 20)