STEP: STudent Ecumenical Partnership

Sowing What We Reap

Nandi Shareef Matthew 25:14-30 reads the parable of the talents. In this passage of the bible, a master gives his servants 10, 5, and 1 talent, respectively, to invest as they see fit. The master leaves, and upon his return, he finds that while two of his servants have doubled their talents, one servant has simply buried his beneath the surface. The servants that have obeyed the master's will are compensated with abundant rewards. The servant who hid his talent is banished into the darkness.

God is our master, and God gives us talents so that we may disseminate our gifts amongst the world and His people. God does not give us these talents because we deserve them but simply because he loves us. If we, indeed, decide to use these few talents in a faithful manner, He has promised to make us rulers over many things. By not using our talents, we are turning our back on God and doing His people a great disservice.

I joined the Student Ecumenical Partnership in order to share the talents that God has given me. In return, God has allowed me to share these talents with people who deem it necessary to spread the Gospel as well. In working within this partnership, God has allowed the STEP ministry to touch many lives and effectuate essential change that is needed in the college realm today. I can truly say that as a result of STEP, many people now realize the importance of using their talents as a voice to be heard. I know I have sincerely grown as a result of being a partner in this partnership and stand to gain much more over the next year.

Although true, it seems so customary to say "You know, you reap what you sow." While this statement may be true, I find that life serves you much better when sowing what you reap. Applying yourself in order to receive an end result is excellent but doesn't push the envelope far enough. By, in turn, employing the result you received, you not only advance yourself further but have the chance to make a difference in someone's life as well. Use the talents God has given you to effectuate change in the lives of others. You never know what abundant gifts God has in store for you!

Nandi Shareef is a member of the Student Ecumenical Partnership (STEP) Leadership Team and is a member of St. Stephen's Community Church in East Lansing, Michigan.



		Sowing What We Reap Matthew 25:14-30 reads the parable of the talents. In this passage of the bible, a master gives his servants 10, 5, and 1 talent, respectively, to invest as they see fit. The master leaves, and upon his return, he finds that while two of his servants have doubled their talents, one servant has simply buried his beneath the surface. The servants that have obeyed the master's will are compensated with abundant rewards. The servant who hid his talent is banished into the darkness. God is our master, and God gives us talents so that we may disseminate our gifts amongst the world and His people. God does not give us these talents because we deserve them but simply because he loves us. If we, indeed, decide to use these few talents in a faithful manner, He has promised to make us rulers over many things. By not using our talents, we are turning our back on God and doing His people a great disservice. I joined the Student Ecumenical Partnership in order to share the talents that God has given me. In return, God has allowed me to share these talents with people who deem it necessary to spread the Gospel as well. In working within this partnership, God has allowed the STEP ministry to touch many lives and effectuate essential change that is needed in the college realm today. I can truly say that as a result of STEP, many people now realize the importance of using their talents as a voice to be heard. I know I have sincerely grown as a result of being a partner in this partnership and stand to gain much more over the next year. Although true, it seems so customary to say "You know, you reap what you sow." While this statement may be true, I find that life serves you much better when sowing what you reap. Applying yourself in order to receive an end result is excellent but doesn't push the envelope far enough. By, in turn, employing the result you received, you not only advance yourself further but have the chance to make a difference in someone's life as well. Use the talents God has given you to effectuate change in the lives of others. You never know what abundant gifts God has in store for you! Nandi Shareef is a member of the Student Ecumenical Partnership (STEP) Leadership Team and is a member of St. Stephen's Community Church in East Lansing, Michigan.