The Parable of the talents is important in quitting addiction. A master went on a long journey and before he left he gave 3 of his workers talents. To one he gave 5, one 3, and one, 1 talent. The first man doubled his 5. 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ The second man doubled his 2 and received the same praise. But the 3rd man buried his talent so he still only had 1 talent. 26 “But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Jesus has given each of us abilities (talents) to do good. When we don't use our talents to do good works we always get into trouble. Instead, declare war on addiction and be determined to be the first man. He worked fervently to use his abilities to do good and he doubled his increase, plus the talent from the unfaithful servant. Note verse 21 “Enter into the joy of your master.’” There is joy in serving Jesus. The first two men were busy doing good. When we are busy doing good we leave a lot less time for temptation. When doing good, our joy can inspire us to quit addiction. Live verse 29: “For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance.” Increase the fight against addiction so that you can live the abundant life.
I have known a few truly humble people in my life. When I talk with them, sometimes it surprises me how frank they can be about their talents. One man, a particularly intelligent person, was unabashed when admitting he had been gifted with intellect. He didn't say it pridefully; he didn't say it to build himself up. He stated it matter- of-factly and he acknowledged that through no act of his own, God had given this talent to him. As you say, I think it is important that we recognize the talents we have been given, not for the purpose of gloating over them but so that we may fully utilize them to do God's will. It is false humility to deny we are good at some things, when it is true, but it is prideful to call attention to our talents for our own glory. Dear Lord, please teach me to recognize the difference and behave accordingly.
