Life Crises

 

[Jesus said] “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:14-21 ESV).

 

Much has been written concerning the stages of life and the attendant crises that accompany each. Most of us have at least heard of what is commonly known as “the mid-life crisis.” However, each stage carries a distinct challenge. Several years ago two younger women wrote a book, The Unique Challenges of Life in Your Twenties. According to their story, they were disappointed with the way life was turning out for them. Instead of finding fulfillment after college, they found themselves disillusioned. In their own way they began asking, Why are we here? They were experiencing what they called “the quarterlife crisis.”

 

Whether it’s because of a quarterlife crisis, a midlife crisis, or a retirement crisis, the same question is asked by millions of people: Why am I here? or What is the purpose of my life? Our reading today is Jesus’ parable about the bags of gold (or talents). It helps to answer that question. Each of us is created for a purpose, regardless of whether we believe or don’t believe in God. And to fulfill our purpose, the Lord has entrusted us with gifts and resources, to be used to serve him and to build his kingdom here on earth.

 

While I am nearing the last stage in the illustration today, I find myself more centered in simply growing older with a cup of coffee in my hand. I also find it too easy to struggle with the ever increasing desire to while away the hours doing little of any significance. I must confess that is a temptation that has grown more alluring with the mounting health issues of growing older. The parable of the talents is a reminder to all of us, regardless of our “stage” in life to invest our gifts in service. It might look vastly different than it did twenty years ago, but it still can bring an increase in the initial trust God has placed in us. Don’t quit too soon… that’s our purpose!