What wins the day? Hard work? Talent? A combination?
In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, the story is told of man who went on a
trip. Before leaving he called in three of his servants. He gave one five bags
of silver, another two bags, and the third one bag (Matthew 25: 14-15). Then he
left on his trip. An observation: The man never tells them what to do. He gives
them the bags, then leaves.
What we find is two of the three went to work (Matthew 25:16-17). The third
person simply hid what was given so as, we discover later, not to make a
mistake that might cost something (Matthew 25: 24).
The bags of silver are also described as talents. It is fair that we might use
this story to help answer the beginning question: What wins the day? Here is
what we know:
Everyone has talent
Some get to work on the talents they have
Some simply do nothing with the talent they have
The two servants in this story who, went to work, developed their talents. Each
of them enhanced what was given them by the effort they put in. This would
indicate that it is the combination of talent and hard work that wins the day.
The perceived talent level should never be an excuse for not working hard.
Dan Orlovsky is an ESPN football analyst. He made an insightful statement when
it comes to the talent versus hard work conversation. “Hard work beats talent,
when talent doesn’t work hard.”
You may have all the talent in the world, but if you fail to work hard you will
be surpassed. It is the person who works hard with whatever talent they have
who will make the greatest impression and impact.
I have never perceived myself as an overly naturally talented individual. But
my parents instilled in me the gift of a life time. The gift? An excellent work
ethic. I work hard. I apply myself. I attempt to learn, and keep learning.
What wins the day? I believe it to be a combination of talent and hard work?
What do you say?
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