Every one of us, as children of God, have been blessed with skills and talents which we've been commanded to develop.

Parable of the Talents
When Jesus taught the parable of the talents (see Matthew 25:14-30), He was comparing the story to the kingdom of heaven (see verse 14) which I believe should be taken literally, both physically and spiritually, in regard to developing skills and talents.

Christ's parable teaches that "those who obtain other talents receive more talents in abundance.

But those who do not obtain other talents shall lose even the talents they had initially"¹

In these modern days the Lord said:

"But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.

"And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have..."

"Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known" (D&C 60:2-3,13).

We Have Unique Talents and Skills
Ronald A. Rasband said: "Every person comes to earth as a unique individual. Similar threads may run in families, but each of us has a tapestry all our own."¹ We have each been blessed with our own unique skills and talents which the Lord expects us to develop. Developing our skills and talents takes time, dedication, and often hard work, but doing so will bring us joy and fulfillment as we grow in knowledge, ability, and understanding.

President James E. Faust said: "At times all of us are called upon to stretch ourselves and do more than we think we can.... We develop our talents first by thinking we can."²

Developing Skills Brings More Skills
As we trust the Lord and faithfully develop our skills and talents we will be blessed with even more abilities and skills.

"For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have" (2 Ne. 28: 30).

Unfortunately, if we do not use and develop our skills we will lose what we've been blessed with.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th prophet of the Church said:

"Polish and refine whatever talents the Lord has given you. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life and look for its opportunities...."³

May we all return to the Lord and hear Him say: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matt. 25:21).

Notes
1. Ronald A. Rasband, "Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Talents," Ensign, Aug 2003, 32–35.
2. "I Believe I Can, I Knew I Could," Ensign, Nov 2002, 49.
3. "How Can I Become the Woman of Whom I Dream?," Ensign, May 2001, 93.