3 in 1 (Time, Talent, and Treasure)
Now for a little math.
If a=b and b=c, then a=c.
Now let's define each variable.
a=Time
b= Money
So, it would come to no surprise that Time equals Money or a=b. But, how would we define c? I submit to you that c=Talent. Thus,
Money equals talent. Or, b=c. So if we go back to math class using the transitive property of equality and a=c then the logical conclusion one must draw is
a=b=c
Or
Time equals Money (or Treasure) equals Talent
Let's see if we can apply this concept.
Let's use time, talent and treasure as they apply to repairs. If one has the talent or skill to repair let's say a car, they potentially could save time and money. The greater their talent, the greater the savings. Now if one lacks such mechanical talents, they would have to shell out money for such repairs and often on a time schedule that is well beyond their control. However if they have access to large financial resources, they could afford to pay for expedited service ultimately saving time. And lastly, if one were to have the luxury of time, they could eventually learn the skill (talent) or earn the money (treasure) to make such repairs. We have all lived this formula out to some degree or another. Can't make it -buy it! Can't afford it -learn how to make it! Can't wait -but it off sale and pay for rush delivery!
A practical summation:
- Time and Talent are needed to make Treasure (money) in order to complete a task
- Little Talent requires more Time and/or Treasure...
- Little Treasure requires more Time and/or Talent...
- Little Time requires more Money and/or Talent...
This concept does not just apply to material goods and wealth but matters of the soul also.
Jesus illustrated concept in the Parable of the Talents -Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-28
- 3 men given Talents (money in this case) and Time to use them
- 2 used their Time to invest (sow) their Talents
- 1 wasted his Time and therefore Talent
- The 2 that used their Time and Talents well received more to invest (sow)
- The 1 who did not sow well lost it all
Ultimately, this is another Sow What concept. Sow a Talent over Time reap a Treasure. Sow a Treasure reap the luxury of Time. Sow in Time and reap a Talent. Is not meritocracy and the "American Dream" rooted in this belief? Return of Investment, the stock market, and one dear to my heart, education, are all based on the Time, Talent, Treasure concept - the Sow What concept. I submit that this concept applies to a even greater degree to how and what we sow into the lives around us -our neighbor's gardens if you will.
To whom much is given, much is required. -Luke 12:48
Sow bountifully, Reap bountifully. -2 Corinthians 9:6
Sow What?