Digging up Buried Treasures

Buried Potential

We all know what it feels like to want to hide parts of ourselves. Maybe someone once called you lazy, selfish, dramatic, arrogant, or too much. Those words sting, and over time they can cause us to bury the very traits God gave us.

Instead of seeing them as gifts to develop, we treat them like flaws to conceal. We hide them, hoping no one notices. But when we bury what God has entrusted to us, we miss out on His greater purpose.

The Parable of the Talents

Jesus told a story in Matthew 25 about a master who gave three servants varying amounts of money (“talents”) before leaving on a journey. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one—each according to his ability.

When the master returned, the servants who had received five and two talents came joyfully, saying they had invested and doubled what was given. But the servant with one talent said:

“Lord, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed. So I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” (Matthew 25:24–25, MEV)

Instead of using his gift, he buried it. Fear and shame kept him from doing anything fruitful with what his master entrusted.

That parable isn’t just about money. It’s about the way we respond to the gifts, traits, and opportunities God has given us. Too often, we act like the servant with one talent—hiding what God gave us instead of developing it.

Why We Bury Our Gifts

Why do we bury what God has placed inside us?

• Words spoken over us. Maybe a teacher, parent, or peer dismissed your creativity, sensitivity, or leadership.

• Fear of failure. Like the servant, we’re afraid we’ll “mess it up” if we step out.

• Comparison. We look at others with “five talents” and think our one isn’t worth much.

• Shame. Past mistakes convince us we aren’t worthy to be entrusted with anything valuable.

But notice—God didn’t give the servant one talent because it was worthless. A single talent was still a significant sum. The servant misjudged its worth.

That’s exactly what Satan wants us to do with our lives: misjudge, minimize, and bury what God has entrusted to us.

God’s View of What You’ve Buried

Psalm 139 reminds us:

“I will praise You, for You made me with fear and wonder; marvelous are Your works, and You know me completely.” (Psalm 139:14, MEV)

God made you intentionally. The traits you’ve hidden out of shame—your sensitivity, your drive, your creativity, your empathy—were given by Him. They’re not accidents. They’re treasures meant to be invested, not buried.

What looks like a flaw to you may be a gift waiting for God’s redemption:

• “Lazy” may actually be an eye for efficiency—seeing simpler ways to accomplish tasks.

• “Arrogant” may be raw confidence that God wants to refine into bold leadership.

• “Too emotional” may be compassion that allows you to sit with others in pain.

• “Selfish” may be passion that, when redirected, fuels sacrificial service.

The enemy takes what God designed for good and slaps a negative label on it. He wants you to bury your treasure. But God calls you to dig it up and invest it for His kingdom.

A Biblical Example: Moses’ Weakness Redeemed

When God called Moses to lead Israel, Moses protested:

“O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither in the past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10, MEV)

Moses wanted to bury himself in excuses. He saw his weakness as disqualifying. But God reminded him:

“Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?” (Exodus 4:11, MEV)

Moses thought his lack disqualified him. God saw it as an opportunity for His glory. The very thing Moses wanted to bury became the stage for God’s power.

Practical Steps to Dig Up Your Treasures

So how do we stop burying our gifts and start investing them for God?

1. Identify What You’ve Buried.
   Ask: What trait, gift, or part of myself have I hidden because of fear, shame, or comparison?

2. Rename It with God’s Truth.
   Take the negative label and ask God to show you the redeemed version. Example: “Too emotional” → “Compassionate, able to comfort the hurting.”

3. Bring It into the Light.
   Share it with a trusted friend, mentor, or small group. Sometimes others can see the treasure more clearly than we can.

4. Invest It, Even in Small Ways.
   Like the servants who doubled their talents, growth happens as we use what God has given. Don’t wait until you feel “ready”—take a small step today.

5. Trust God with the Increase.
   The results are His responsibility. Your responsibility is faithfulness. God multiplies what we surrender.
   
   

A Modern Example

A young man grew up being told he was “too argumentative.” Every time he asked questions or pushed back against ideas, he was shut down. Eventually, he buried his curiosity, believing it made him difficult.

Years later, a pastor encouraged him: “Your questions are a gift. You see things others miss. Have you ever considered studying theology?”

That encouragement changed everything. The very trait he buried as “argumentative” became a gift of discernment and critical thinking that helped him defend the faith. What he thought was a flaw was really a buried treasure.

Reflection Questions

• What “one talent” have you buried out of fear, shame, or comparison?

• How has the enemy twisted God’s gift into a negative label in your life?

• What small step could you take this week to invest that gift for God’s kingdom?

  
  

A Closing Prayer

Lord, I confess I have buried treasures You entrusted to me. Out of fear, shame, or comparison, I’ve hidden what You wanted me to use. Forgive me. Teach me to see my gifts through Your eyes, not the enemy’s lies. Help me to dig them up and invest them for Your glory. I trust You with the increase. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Encouragement

Beloved, God did not design you to bury your treasure. The enemy will always tempt you to hide what God has entrusted. But your Master sees you, values you, and calls you to step into the light.

Don’t bury it—invest it. Dig up the treasure. Put it to work. And watch as God multiplies it in ways you never thought possible.