__For faith-driven business people, there is often a tension between excellence and surrender that can be confusing or overwhelming. But instead of seeking to solve this tension, I would encourage us all to embrace it as a core tenet of how we were created. The Bible offers valuable lessons on stewardship and priorities. One lesson that is frequently referenced in the world of faith-driven investing is the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), which I would like to examine alongside the story of Mary and Martha in the presence of Jesus (Luke 10:38-42).__

In the [Parable of the Talents](https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/blog/2019/5/23/the-parable-of-the-talents), a master entrusts his three servants with different amounts of money to invest while he goes on a journey. Two of the servants invest the money and earn a profit, while the other buries his share and earns nothing. When the master returns, he commends the first two servants for their faithful stewardship and entrusts them with even greater responsibility, but he condemns the third servant for his lack of initiative.

The lesson here is that God wants us to be good stewards of the resources He has given us. We are called to pursue excellence, invest wisely, and use our talents to generate a return. Faith-driven investing should not be passive or fearful but should involve wise risk-taking and an entrepreneurial spirit, always seeking to honor God and advance His kingdom.

In contrast to the focal point of the Parable of the Talents, the story of Mary and Martha highlights the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God over our worldly concerns. Martha is busy serving and preparing for Jesus, but Mary sits at His feet and listens to His teaching. When Martha complains to Jesus that Mary is not helping with the work that needs to get done, Jesus gently rebukes her and praises Mary for choosing the better thing, which is focusing on Him.

This story reminds us that our ultimate priority as Christ-followers should be to love and worship God with our whole being, not just to pursue successes by economic or other worldly standards. Faith-driven investing should be grounded in a deep relationship with God and a desire to honor Him.

As John Mark Comer writes, "Life is the sum total of what we give our attention to." Both the Parable of the Talents and the story of Mary and Martha challenge us to give our attention to what matters most: a deep love for God and faithful stewardship of the resources that He has blessed us with here on earth, born out of that love.

All Christ-followers who have a role in the marketplace should consider themselves members of the faith-driven business community. A calling to use your talents in the marketplace is a blessing in itself. By combining these two lessons, we can embrace the tension between excellence and surrender, and always seek to honor and glorify God with our lives and actions.

__As faith driven entrepreneurs, we can’t forget to meditate on scripture and see how God is speaking to us. We hope you’ve gained something from Ben’s reflection today. For more devotionals and Bible reading plans tailored to today’s entrepreneur, click the button below.__

As faith driven entrepreneurs, we can’t forget to meditate on scripture and see how God is speaking to us. We hope you’ve gained something from Ben’s reflection today. For more devotionals and Bible reading plans tailored to today’s entrepreneur, click the button below.

[GET BIBLE READING PLANS](https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/bible-reading-plans)

__[Image](https://www.faithdriveninvestor.org/blog/excellence-surrender-matthew-25-luke-10)__ used with permission

Join a movement of investors, fund managers and leaders who believe that God owns it all and he cares deeply about why and how we steward his investments.

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Articles

There is often a tension between excellence and surrender that can be confusing or overwhelming.

VERSES | Oct 14, 2024

Excellence and Surrender: Matthew 25 Meets Luke 10

By: Ben Erksine

Join a movement of investors, fund managers and leaders who believe that God owns it all and he cares deeply about why and how we steward his investments.

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