Reading through the parable of the talents this morning (Matt. 25:14-30) left me questioning, how do you expand what has been given to you? The man who hid the talent wasn't criticized necessarily for his attitude, but more for his lack of expansion. He had returned what had been given to him, but it seemed the master desired expansion of that gift. And he had the ability to do so - it says in verse 15 the talents were distributed "to each according to his ability." So I prayed about how to expand what I've been given.

The first thing is to acknowledge what I even have, if I know what that is. If I know it, I shouldn't hide it with a false humility. But what do I do with that?

Later, I read John 13:3-5. Jesus knew what He had been given; He had been given all things, and He knew who He was. So what did He do with what He had been given? Did He "lord" it over the disciples (as He had told them before not to do)? No, He instead took the lowest position and served. He poured water on them, and washed them. He dried them. He restored them.

As Christians we know who we are. Like Jesus, we know we belong to God and will return to Him when our days here are over. And, like Jesus, we know we have been given all things through Him. So, likewise, what should we do?

We should pour out ourselves, and what we have been given to others. As I read this I realized it answered my question from earlier, for as we in humility pour out that which we've been given, it will be caused to expand. And that pleases the Master, our Lord.