To whom much is given, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) If you have heard that line of wisdom, you know it means we are held responsible for what we have. If we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like, it is expected that we benefit others.
Luke 12:48 was Jesus’ instructions to his disciples regarding their responsibilities after Jesus returns to the Father in Heaven. As an illustration, he talks about a servant/master relationship. Servants are to “stay dressed for action and stay awake.” (Luke 12:37)
The apostle Peter asks if the parable is for the disciples or for all people. Instead of directly answering his question, Jesus expounds on his illustration more by asking the question, “who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?” (Luke 12:42)
Those servants who faithfully steward the gifts entrusted to them will be rewarded upon the master’s return. Those who squander the time will be held responsible for their casual treatment of their master’s resources.
Even those who “plead” ignorance aren’t without responsibility. (Luke 12:48)
Amos uses a masterful literary technique to remind Israel that their responsibility before God is much greater than the surrounding nations because of what God has given them.
As followers of Jesus, we have been given a tremendous gift, not only for ourselves, but a gift that we are to share and pass on to others. And as a result of that great gift, we also have a great responsibility to live in such a way that we don’t squander that gift or become a stumbling block to others. Here’s what Jesus had to say about this principle:
…Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
“From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.”
We have all been extravagantly blessed by God’s abundant grace; by the spirit-breathed Holy Scriptures; and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We have been blessed with finances and time and an array of talents ready to be unleashed to lift the name of Jesus, whether it be as an athlete, a musician, an artist, a chef, a businessman, an office worker, a truck driver, or a medical professional. Each of us has gifts that can be used to build up the kingdom of God, including spiritual gifts.
Paul said:
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6–8)
“Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
In other words, “required” is not referring to a specific list of “requirements” we are to do, but rather to the fact that we will be held accountable for what we have been given.
The more we have been given, the more we are accountable for.
We as Christians don’t really have the option regarding how we use our gifts. It is a “demand” by our Master to use our gifts for his glory.
For New Testament believers today, this principle is related to life in this world. Scripture states that each believer is given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:7) for the mutual edification and growth for the church. We are to use our gifts faithfully, being good “caretakers” of those gifts. To use our spiritual gifts for selfish reasons would be poor stewardship.
Our finances, our family, our house, our time, our heartbeat, and our talents are all gracious gifts from a gracious God.
One way someone might misunderstand this principle is by concluding that those with less have less responsibility—that they don’t have to be as responsible with what they do have. Nothing can be further from the truth.
Whether you have been entrusted with little or much, our commitment to faithful stewardship remains the same. The only thing that changes is not how responsible we should be, but rather, how much we are responsible for.
It doesn’t matter if you have been given much or little. God isn’t concerned with how much or how little you have; he is concerned with what you are doing with what you have been given.
There is a wonderful message of comfort : God will never hold you accountable for what he has not given you. Simply focus on what you have been given and be faithful in that, rather than wonder why you haven’t been given more.
WHOSOEVER WILL WORSHIP MINISTRIES
www.wwwmjesus.net
Assistant: Pastor Wesley Fulton
429 Bayou Rd, La Marque, Tx.77568
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