In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), what does the 'talent' most likely represent, and how does the parable challenge common interpretations of 'stewardship'?

A The 'talent' represents literal money, and the parable encourages aggressive investment for personal wealth. B The 'talent' represents innate abilities and skills, and the parable promotes risk-taking regardless of consequences. C The 'talent' represents God-given gifts, opportunities, and resources, and the parable challenges the notion of merely preserving resources, urging proactive and fruitful engagement for God's glory. D The 'talent' represents time, and the parable warns against wasting time on frivolous activities instead of working diligently.