From Everyone

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. ~ Luke 12:48

Just as some have been given much in resources, you can also be given much spiritually in the way of abilities and skills.  These blessings from God are for us to use to further His kingdom, not our own.  Are you a good teacher?  A good encourager?  A good leader?  A prayer warrior?  Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?  If you are a follower of Jesus, He is concerned with how you use these gifts more than He is concerned about what you have, or what you don’t have.  He is telling us that we should not compare ourselves to others, but be responsible with what He has given us in both wealth and spiritual gifts.  At Jesus’ return, we will either be rewarded, or disciplined for how we used what we were given.  He expects us to be faithful and good stewards of the Master’s gifts.  For followers of Jesus, this command is not only in regard to our physical talents, but how are you using your spiritual gifts to further the church of Jesus Christ?  The church is made up of many parts just like our body and when you are not using your spiritual talents to further the church’s mission, you are being irresponsible no matter how big, or small your talent may be.  The church cannot function the way Christ intended when not everyone is participating.  Just like when one part of our physical body is broken, or sick our body cannot function as a whole unit; the same is true of the church.  1 Corinthians 12:12 says, ‘There is one body, but it has many parts.  But all its many parts make up one body.  It is the same with Christ.”  How we lead, teach and use our gifts honoring God over our own ambition matters.  If we do not take this responsibility seriously, God will punish and judge us harshly.  However, when we use what God has given us, we will be given even greater responsibility.  It’s not about you, or your glory and comfort; it’s about representing your Master in a holy and faithful manner.  God doesn’t ask you to worry about what you don’t have, but to be good stewards and leaders of what you do have tangibly, or spiritually for His glory.  Let’s bring Him great glory and be thankful for all He has given us. ~ Amen