"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling 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.
"Then 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.
"But he that had received one went and digged in the
earth, and hid his lord’s money.
"After a long time the lord of those servants cometh,
and reckoneth with them."
This is passage comes from Matthew 25:14-19, and is part of
the oft-cited parable of the talents. As
we have gone out working this week this specific parable has been on my mind.
Many times when I have found council and direction in this
parable I have been taught about leadership or at times about my own talents
and how I should be using them. This
week as we have met more people and seen the difficult life situations of many
more of my peers another interpretation has come to me.
We are all given different lots in life. Some are given more trials than others. Some are given "five," some are
given "two," and others are given "one." Some experience great opposition, and through
the crucible of life experience great growth.
Others do not. In this way of reading
the parable I feel most like the man with one talent. My life hasn't been incredibly hard. The lack of serious trials cannot ever be an
excuse for a lack of committed discipleship.
One less-active in the YSA joined us for the Sunday morning
session of conference. He loved the
thoughts shared by President Monson. The
Book of Mormon is the tool prepared by God for the gathering of His children.
Have a great week!
Elder Cummings
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