Are We Active With Our Talents?

As office-bearers we have been given a tremendous and responsible task to perform in God’s kingdom, a task which we in ourselves can never fulfill. If we are honest with ourselves, we must exclaim that we have failed many times, and have fallen short of our heavenly calling. If the Lord had to judge us according to our performance, we would not rate very highly. Many times we would score below the average mark. Oh certainly, there can be moments when we may do our labors in sincerity and with love and devotion to God. There are moments when nothing stands in the way. But over against that, the rest of the time we are self-glory-seeking creatures, always having self in view when we do our labors.

It takes a mighty hand from above to bring us low before God. Thomas Watson in his catechism instruction book reminds us of what our chief end in life ought to be, i.e., to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Can it be seen in our daily conduct of life that whatever we do, is to the glory of God? Why is it that there are moments of doubts, of misgivings, of mistrust in our lives? Why are we not resting in God more and trusting in Him for all our needs, not only our corporal needs but especially for our spiritual and official needs? Weighty questions indeed, especially if we apply them to ourselves. How often do we go our way rejoicing as the eunuch once did when he was returning to his own country? Well, we don’t have to seek too far for an answer, for Scripture states that we are the cause that a separation exists between God and His creatures. And truly it is only He who can take away that gulf by the influences of His Holy Spirit.

How seriously do we perform our given office? It is no light task that the Lord has laid upon us. So often we are concerned about the necessities of this present life — how this should be governed and how that should be ruled — that little time is given for the hereafter, and really that is of the most importance. What is this fleeting life compared to eternity? Let us be honest — a handbreadth, a fleeting moment, and no more! Scripture states that our life is only a trial of ten days, but what transpires in these ten days often fills the heart with anxiety. However, the Lord does not promise sunshine every day; there will be many cloudy days as well.

I still remember that in the beginning of my office-bearing I was full of zeal for the work of the kingdom. What devotion! What labors of love! Nothing was too much; mountains seemed like little mole hills and staggering crevices like small fences. Never a meeting too long nor too many. Those were the best of my years so it seemed. But as the years progress, things change; we come to realize that not everything we do is God-glorifying. Why is it that we are not constant? Many times our objectives are for self-glorification, for self-attainments. We have hard lessons to learn for the flesh — bitter pills to swallow. Nevertheless, it pleases the Lord to utilize backsliders, backbiters, self-glory-seeking people in His vineyard. Nothing, absolutely nothing, stands in the way with God, His wonders to perform.

The talents which we have received from God differ greatly from one to another. The one has received more than the other, but it is true that these talents shall one day be required of us again. The main question is what we have done with these gifts of God. What are we doing with them presently? There are great vessels of honor, men who by the grace of God have been as great lights shining in a dark and a perverse generation. Men such as: John Knox, John Wycliffe, John Huss, John Calvin, Martin Luther, Zwingli, etc., who incessantly fought for the maintenance of the pure doctrine which can lead to godliness. God gave them much light and wisdom, and we are still reaping the fruits of their labors.

It follows that from them much will be required. Let that be a warning to all those who have received this great privilege out of heaven, for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an almighty God with a debt in our hands. What a glorious employment, nevertheless, when we may be active in God’s vineyard and be true to our calling. How indebted we are to acknowledge our Benefactor for His bounties bestowed upon us whether it be for our corporal or spiritual needs.

Sometimes I envy those who have been given special graces from God. It is remarkable how certain individuals are enabled to explain a certain point of doctrine with such clearness and conciseness. But this I had to learn as well: that God also utilizes lesser vessels to the honor and glory of His Name. What a comfort it was for me personally to read that all the members of the body of Christ have need for each other! Let that be a comfort and an encouragement to those who do not possess the same outstanding qualities that some have received. It is not the amount that matters, but how we employ our gifts.

Sometimes the Lord employs the insignificant for the honor and glory of His Name. When the Samaritan saw the Jew lying on the roadside half-dead, wounded, and stripped of his goods, he did not hesitate, but at once came to his help. Here was a man who utilized his gifts by helping him who was in dire need. He did not first count the cost involved, no, he saw, he looked, and had compassion. That is all that was needed, which was involvement. The priest and the Levite were men of dignity and to stoop so low to help a poor man was below their profession. They lacked involvement; although they probably were endowed with many talents, yet they failed to show mercy to the man in need. Therefore, whatever your talents may be, whether they be many or few, use them whenever the opportunity arises. There are too many persons who, like the priest and the Levite, leave the less favorable tasks to others to perform. However, the Samaritan, even though he knew that he was dealing with a Jew, responded immediately. Sometimes only a few words are needed to raise someone out of despair. Sometimes only a smile will suffice to encourage others to carry on. I do not know what arguments the priest and the Levite used to excuse themselves. Most likely they were concerned of what others might think of them if they gave of their time and effort. And so also today, there are countless people who walk with a thousand excuses in their pockets and nothing gets accomplished.

It is not the amount that matters, but how we employ our gifts.

If you have a cheerful disposition, use it in whatever way you can. If you love to sing, do it whenever and wherever, even if your own way is not so clear at the moment or there are some trying circumstances in your own pathway. Maybe by your cheerful countenance or sweet music you may be helpful in lifting up a person who is in a much deeper ditch than you are. Would that not be a sweet encouragement to know that someone has been quickened by your song? Paul and Silas were no strangers in sharing their gifts with others while they were imprisoned. There were many reasons for them to hang their harps upon the willow trees, but they did not. Hear them singing of the goodness of God in the midnight hours. What! Sing of God’s goodness, while being shackled, scourged, ill-treated, and being in the stocks in the inner jail cell? Flesh would never give praise to God in trying times such as these, but grace can and will.

The little maid of Naaman the Syrian is also a beautiful example — how she employed her special gifts when she was in captivity. Maybe in the eyes of others she was despised and insignificant, but she had a heart of love for those in need. You do not hear of her pouting and fretting because of her bondage, but instead she took the opportunity to witness of God’s deeds to this heathen general.

Let us therefore not be too much concerned how others will perceive us when we labor in God’s vineyard, but rather, let us use our talents whether they be five, two, or one to our utmost and leave the increase with God. Too often we soothe ourselves by saying, “I did not receive more; therefore, the Lord does not require that much of me.” Instead of making use of our talents, we lay them in a napkin. How many shall be found in the day of reckoning who will hear, “Thou slothful, unfaithful, and unprofitable servant”? May we be more concerned with what we can do, even though our light may not shine as brightly as others. Are we willing to be spent in the service of God? I mean are we willing to give everything that we have received to be of service in God’s kingdom? When we see others struggling, are we ready to assist even if it means to step down a few rungs on the ladder?

We hear so often that God’s Church is silent, inactive, lukewarm, especially in its profession and outreach, and rightly so. We complain that many of our pulpits are unoccupied but when we hear of a person walking and struggling with a calling in his heart, do we ever take the time to speak to him afterwards about his calling? In earlier times, how God’s people were overjoyed when they heard that God was busy with a person about the ministry! At least they showed their concern and whenever possible they encouraged such a person. It seems to me we are too satisfied with the way things are.

Moreover, are we also readily disposed to be a helping hand to those who go through a crisis? I still remember that when it pleased the Lord to use me in His vineyard, I knew very little concerning church matters. Everything was strange to me. Where were the experienced ones, the generals of God’s kingdom? Either they were too wrapped up with their own concerns or were unconcerned at the time. How many pitfalls could have been avoided had I been given a little advice from time to time. However, a person soon learns how to swim in deep waters at the expense of much anxiety. How beneficial it would have been if we could have had an office-bearer’s seminar or something equal to it where we as newcomers could have received proper training in those things which seemed a mountain to me then. Do not misunderstand me for I myself have fallen into that same condition. But when do we really take the time to be serviceable for new recruits? Why is it that we leave them over to themselves as soon as they are elected as office-bearers? It will not suffice to say, “We are too busy.” It will not avail to say, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” I would greatly appreciate it if we could set up an office-bearers’ seminar where newly chosen office-bearers could receive proper training. This could be very beneficial for the persons involved, also for the edification of the church. I think that those who have been active in God’s vineyard for some time could also benefit from it as well. There are certain issues that come up to which we don’t always have a ready answer. What a blessing it would be when at such times as these, time would be given to discuss these things concerning the welfare of Zion. I think we would be closer to fulfilling Christ’s command to be servant-like, to take the lowest place. Instead, we so often try to place ourselves in the foreground. We are more concerned about our own affairs than to give heed to the needs of others.

I still remember the time when I was at such a low ebb myself, not knowing where to turn. I felt as though I was in a corner, everything seemed to be against me. Unexpectedly, Mr. R. Wierks phoned me to ask if it was alright to visit me, to which I replied, “Please, do come over.” He did not know why he had to come but soon found out afterwards. What a blessing it is when there is no helper and the Lord then sends a friend, a brother, in time of need to whom we can talk. It is good, when things are bottled up so much inside of you, that some of the pressure may be relieved by talking to others. Are we doing this? Are we giving others a helping hand, or are we busy exercising the dominant aspect of our old nature? Too often we exercise lordship over others, and really that is more devastating than edifying. Let us therefore labor in love, always promoting the welfare of others. I think that then there would be less striving and quarrelling amongst the assemblies of saints.

I do not mean to infer that when it concerns issues such as falsification of the true doctrine that we should be slack in discipline. Then it is our duty to express our standpoint and we may not be lax in expressing our views. But how do we do it? That is of the utmost importance. Do we discipline with love in our hearts, or is it our desire to take the opportunity to stab someone in the back, inflicting a deadly wound? Let us be careful; for to inflict a wound takes only a second, but to heal a wound sometimes takes many years. I am convinced that where correction is needed, and if we do it in a spirit of love and concern, we will have a much greater impact than when we do it with harshness and apathy.

Our conduct toward one another is to be found in 1 Peter 3:8 where it is stated, “Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous”! The basis of true Christian courtesy is charity, kindness. “Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own” (1 Cor. 13:4,5). Genuine Christian courtesy is the outgrowth of love, and manifests itself in thoughtful consideration for others. The spirit of self-exaltation is of Satan. How will humility lead us to esteem others? The answer is to be found in Phil. 2:3 where we read, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves”! In Isaiah 57:15 we read with whom God will dwell. There the Lord speaks, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones”! When we are reviled, mocked, and despised, may we leave our case with Him who knows all things.

When I look back over the years, then there have been moments when my motives were only to save my own reputation and it would have been better had I been silent. But also the other side of the coin, there were times when I should have spoken when I kept silent. My main argument is, when do we really work together as a unified body and so fulfill the demand of Christ? How shall we stand if we are divided? Let us never tire of doing good; strive for the honor of God. Never say, “I am such an insignificant creature compared to others.” God will never require more than He has granted. But let us ever be busy with whatever we have received.

In conclusion, I would like to bring one more concern to the foreground, i.e., the vacant pulpits here in North America in our denomination. We seem to agree that there is a great need indeed, and we hope that the Lord may visit us as a denomination. But what are we doing in the meantime? So often you hear, “What can we do?” In the early days when there was a great need, the church would set a day aside for prayer. When have we as a denomination held a prayer day service concerning this great need for ministers sent by God to expound unto us the will of the Lord? I know that there is a God in heaven who has promised to be with His church until the end of time. And His promises are not like man’s promises; they are ever steadfast. There is not one promise which the Lord has ever left unaccomplished. Several days ago I heard that there were some people who may come up for an examination. That is quite an encouragement. I just hope that we don’t act too hastily because of our dire need, but may they be truly sent. That is of most importance.

As a child, I have heard several “godsdienstoefenaars,” men who explained the Scriptures with clearness and had much blessing upon their labors. I still read Wulfert Floor’s sermons quite often for to me he speaks to the heart of Jerusalem. Could it be that we have to learn from our forefathers how they coped with the same needs which we have? This does not mean that I have the answer but I do hope to arouse, in you and me as well, an awareness of our present need. Once more, let us ever work together in love and unity; use your gifts to His honor and glory, seeking the welfare of Zion. Encourage each other for that is also a duty laid upon us. “Caleb (encouraged and) stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Num. 13:30). Moses encouraged Joshua and said, “Be strong and of a good courage!” When Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came up against Jerusalem, King Hezekiah said to Israel, “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him. With him is an army of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles” (2 Chron. 32:7–8). But the greatest encouragement comes from the greater Joshua Himself, for His encouraging message is, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). That message comes to us even today. A dispirited man, like a discouraged horse, is powerless to perform his task. What men need most in this world’s struggle and strife is not usually direct help, but cheer. Many men have fainted and succumbed in the great struggles when one word of cheer would have made them strong to overcome. We should never, then, lose an opportunity to say an encouraging word. We know not how much it may be needed, nor how great and far-reaching its consequences may be.

The greatest encouragement comes from the greater Joshua Himself for His encouraging message is, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

May God bind us together at the throne of grace pleading that He will visit us with His grace and send us ministers to fill our vacant pulpits.

L. Den Boer serves as elder in the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Chilliwack, British Columbia. This article was originally given as an office-bearers’s address at the March 29, 1989 meeting of Classis Far West.

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