EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Regardless of our circumstances or ability, everyone has an "equal opportunity" to serve the Lord.  All who do will receive a heavenly reward and an "attah-boy"...a "well done, good and faithful servant" (followed by a reward)!  All we are asked to do is USE what He's given us!

We're all given an equal amount of time (24 hrs. in a day) to decide how we want to invest it, spend it, waste it, or use it.

A story is told in Matthew 25:14-30 about three servants:  One was given 5 talents (Upper Class); one was given 2 talents (Middle Class); one was given 1 talent (Lower Class).  Two of the servants faithfully and wisely used what had been given to them.  Therefore, the Master let them keep what they had gained. 

                 Faithful use of one's gifts and talents
                 sets the stage for one's advancement!

The one servant, however, did nothing with what had been given to him...he hid his talent!  So the Master took it from him.  (I'm sure he either said, or was thinking to himself--"Well, this isn't fair!"  How right he was....therefore, he remained on  WELFARE!)

The reward of further responsibility (the first 2 servants) is contrasted by judgment upon the INACTIVE and LAZY servant!

We may start out with "a silver spoon in our mouth," or be as "poor as a church mouse," but we all are given an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY to use what's been given to us (our abilities and talents) to serve the Lord.  God will reward us and promote us according to our AVAILability (our willingness to serve and make good use of what we've been given).

                                 USE IT or LOSE IT!!!