Parable of the Talents

Sunday I was extremely blessed by my Pastor's sermon on the Parable of the Talents. It isn't up yet online or I'd link it. You can find it in the future at CMCRoanoke.org. But it was one of those sermons which leave you much to think upon. He made all the best distinctions in the message by making sure we knew it was about us, people in the church, and not referring to the church vs. the world. Too many times truly convicting scriptures are laid aside because we characterize them as being to those outside, not us. Malia and I discussed the sermon in great detail afterwards because there is so much truth in those passages.

Am I using my "talents" to the full measure of the gifting? Nope, probably not even close. I see in myself more of the servant with one talent than the one with five. Lately I have been on a "quest" to be more planned and action oriented, and I believe I have improved but still fall way short. Still too much of my wants being stronger than my seeking God's glory. But like Thomas Watson points out so well, we are in a war. A war that is violently played out daily in our decisions. I praise the Lord that we have such noble weapons to assist us. I pray the Holy Spirit will convict me and lead me. I pray that the people around me will show me in both action and word how to continue to grow. And I continue to pray that the leadership of my church will boldly preach and teach the Gospel and shout Christ crucified at every chance.