Christian Counseling and the Parable of the Talents
Christ in Matt: 22:1-14 spoke of the parable of “Talents”. This parable is unique for Christian Counseling sessions because it involves the utilization of one’s particular talents to the Christian community. As a Christian counselor one can help others share their unique charisms as well as utilizing their own charism of counseling.
In the parable, Christ speaks of a master who gave his three servants each a coin to hold and guard. The first servant increased his value fivefold and the next tenfold but the last servant hoarded the coin to himself and obtained no greater value. The master rewarded the first two servants, but condemned the last servant.
The obvious implication is that God gives everyone particular talents. Christian Counselors are given the charisms of wisdom, knowledge, understand and counsel, while others may possess the gifts of healing or prophesy. Still some may merely possess physical talents that are used in the service of God such as art, music or manual labor.
In returning to the ideals of St. Teresa of Avila, one must understand that all gifts come from God. In true humility, one must deflect praise of particular skills back to God. Since these gifts are on “loan” from God it is our duty to share them and use them to help grow the Christian Church.
The last servant in this parable did not use his talents for the growth of the Church but hoarded his particular talent to himself. This selfish act led to his condemnation.
As Christians, do we see ourselves not giving our talents to God? Are we fully giving everything we have to know, love and serve the Lord? What particular talent do you possess but have not used for the service of the Church? Perhaps it is time to increase the value of your “coin” tenfold before the master returns.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Courses, please review the program. Our Christian Counseling Training Program is for qualified professionals who wish to help others from a Christian perspective.
Mark Moran, MA