The Parable of Prosperity
Specialization, Stewardship and Service
I remember the first time I visited Oba-Ile, a small town just outside Akure in Ondo State.. The air there was different, not like the busy Lagos. It was original, refreshing and life giving. The people were warm, and eager to welcome a stranger. I’d definitely visit there again.
The town, rich in talents, each individual, uniquely gifted, and it was their communal culture that bound them together. It was a place where talents were seen as blessings from God, meant to uplift not just individuals but the entire community. It was here that I met Adeola, Kemi, and Emeka — three individuals whose lives beautifully illustrated the essence of stewardship and the power of utilizing our God-given talents.
As I sit with you today, I want to share their story with you.
Adeola was known throughout Oba-Ile as the skilled weaver. Her fingers were a marvel to behold, creating fabrics that seemed to carry the colors of the sunset and the essence of the village cultural life. Adeola was not only talented but also deeply passionate about teaching the younger generation her craft, ensuring that her skills would not end with her.
Kemi was the resourceful farmer. She managed the largest farm in the village, producing enough crops to feed not only her family but the entire community. Her methods were innovative, using techniques that conserved water and enriched the soil. Kemi’s fields were always shining green, and her dedication to her craft meant that she was always experimenting to improve her yield.
Then there was Emeka, the reluctant entrepreneur. He owned a small shop at the edge of the village square. Emeka was content to sell just enough to get by. He feared change and avoided additional responsibilities, preferring the comfort of what he already knew. The villagers often encouraged him to expand, but he shrugged off their advice, unwilling to take risks. Deep down, Emeka feared failure, and the idea of taking on more responsibilities filled him with anxiety. He often thought, What if I fail and lose everything?
And finally, Chief Obinna — the wise leader of Oba-Ile. He was an elder whose deep laugh and thoughtful eyes commanded both respect and warmth. Chief Obinna believed in nurturing each person’s talents for the greater good of the community. He often said, "When we all shine, the village shines."
One day, during a village meeting, Chief Obinna announced a new initiative to enhance Oba-Ile. "We are blessed with so many talents here," he began, "but blessings multiply when they are used well."
Chief Obinna decided to redistribute resources and responsibilities based on each individual’s unique talents. He entrusted Adeola with additional funds to expand her weaving workshop and train more artisans. Kemi received advanced farming tools and seeds to increase crop production and explore new agricultural methods. And Emeka was given mentorship and a small loan to innovate his shop, hoping he would take the opportunity to grow beyond his comfort zone.
After the meeting, Chief Obinna took time to visit each of them at their respective workspaces. He watched as Adeola worked her loom, offering words of encouragement. He walked through Kemi's fields, observing her new techniques, and praised her for her dedication. Finally, he sat with Emeka in his shop, speaking softly but firmly about the importance of courage and growth. To Adeola, he said, "Use these funds not just to grow your workshop but to inspire others. Let your work be a light for the village." To Kemi, he said, "These tools are in your capable hands. May your fields continue to be a blessing to us all." And to Emeka, he gently said, "I know you are afraid, but remember, courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. I will be here to guide you."
Adeola embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. She hired young apprentices, taught them the art of weaving, and introduced new techniques that brought vibrancy to her fabrics. Soon, her workshop became a hub of creativity, attracting buyers from neighboring villages. The local economy began to thrive, and people spoke of Adeola’s workshop with pride. There were days when she faced challenges, like an unexpected shortage of dye or an apprentice struggling to learn, but she approached each obstacle with patience and determination, always reminding herself that her talent was a gift meant to be shared.
Kemi, with her new tools, implemented sustainable farming practices that led to record harvests. She didn’t keep her knowledge to herself; instead, she organized workshops to teach other farmers her methods. Because of Kemi’s innovation, Oba-Ile’s fields were greener than ever, and the entire village benefited from her generosity and expertise. Kemi often reflected on how God had blessed her efforts, and she felt a deep sense of purpose in sharing her knowledge with others.
Emeka, however, struggled. The additional responsibilities overwhelmed him, and instead of using the loan to expand his shop, he hoarded it, fearing potential losses. He would sit in his shop, staring at the loan money, his hands trembling slightly, feeling the weight of uncertainty. The air felt heavy, and his chest tightened as doubt crept in, making him hesitate at every turn. One day, a neighboring shop owner offered Emeka some advice, "You know, Emeka, taking small steps can lead to big changes. Why not start by adding just one new item to your shop?" Emeka hesitated but decided to try. His hands shook slightly as he arranged the small selection of locally made pottery on the shelves. The first few days were slow, and he felt the eyes of passersby lingering with curiosity. Then, one morning, a customer entered, picked up a pot, and smiled. The sale was small, but it lifted a weight off his chest. To his surprise, the pottery began to sell well, and with each sale, Emeka felt his confidence grow. It was a small success, but it began to shift something within him.
As Adeola and Kemi’s ventures flourished, the village enjoyed newfound prosperity. Roads were improved, children received better education, and life in Oba-Ile was brighter. The village celebrated their success, and Chief Obinna often spoke of how their dedication had transformed the community.
But Emeka's reluctance to change led to missed opportunities. His shop was no longer a place of growth but a symbol of fear and stagnation. Chief Obinna, ever observant, saw the imbalance and the impact of Emeka’s inaction on the community’s prosperity. One afternoon, he decided to visit Emeka's shop. He watched as Emeka sat behind his counter, his shoulders slumped. Chief Obinna spoke to him gently, 'Emeka, I see the potential in you, but you must take the first step. Let us work together to bring your shop to life.'
One afternoon, Chief Obinna called another village meeting. Under the shade of the old iroko tree, he addressed the villagers. He spoke of the Parable of the Talents, drawing parallels with the actions of Adeola, Kemi, and Emeka. “Our talents are not just for our own benefit,” he said, looking directly at Emeka. “They are meant to uplift our entire community. When you choose to hide your gift, you not only limit your own potential but also dim the light for others.”
Emeka felt the weight of the Chief’s words pressing heavily on his heart. He clenched his fists, feeling the warmth of tears welling up in his eyes. He looked down, remorseful, and finally spoke, his voice trembling. "I see now that my fear has held me back. I was afraid to fail, but in doing nothing, I see I have already failed. I want to change. I want to use my talents for Oba-Ile."
With guidance and support from Chief Obinna and the villagers, Emeka began to transform his business. He introduced new products and services, and with time, his confidence grew. He started collaborating with Adeola, selling her fabrics, and working with Kemi to stock fresh produce from her farm. His shop, once stagnant, became a vibrant part of Oba-Ile. There were still challenges — days when sales were slow or when new products didn’t sell as expected. Emeka often found himself reflecting on Chief Obinna's words during these moments, and he learned to adapt, taking each setback as a lesson. He trusted in God, found strength in the support of his community, and gradually overcame his fears.
As each member of Oba-Ile embraced their talents and committed to stewardship, the village flourished. The collective efforts led to a harmonious and prosperous community, honoring Chief Obinna’s vision. The village shone brightly, each person’s light contributing to the greater glow.
Reflection
“I realized the profound truth of Chief Obinna’s teachings”. Emeka stood by his shop, watching the villagers bustle with energy, and he felt a deep sense of gratitude. He understood now that it was the courage to step forward, despite his fears, and the unwavering support of his community, that had brought about this transformation. Just like Adeola and Kemi, each of us has a unique role to play. When we embrace our talents with faith and dedication, we not only honor our Master but also contribute to a legacy of prosperity and unity.
Encouragement
Dear friend, what talents has God entrusted to you? Are you using them to bless others and contribute to your community? Remember, faithful stewardship is not just about personal growth; it’s about lifting those around us and building a brighter future together.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10
May God bless you abundantly as you step into your purpose with faithfulness and joy.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts and talents You have given us. Help us to use them wisely, to serve others, and to bring glory to Your name. Guide us in our journey of stewardship, and may we be bold in embracing our purpose. Bless our efforts, and may our communities flourish as we honor You with our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thank you for reading. And God bless you. I hope you enjoyed it. Please don’t forget to share with someone.