Devotion:
Read Luke 12:48b.
I recall hearing this principle early in my life: to whom much is given, much is required. It certainly makes sense in all areas of life, especially in the kingdom of God. The one who has been given more skills and talents has the responsibility to use those as much as possible to glorify God and serve people. The one who has been given leadership capabilities is called to use those in the same way. The one who has been blessed with financial resources has the opportunity to show their gratitude to God by giving generously to the ministries of the Church and helping as many people as possible.
In the 19th chapter, Luke shares the parable from Jesus that is very similar to the more repeated parable in Matthew about the servants given talents (differing sums of money). Each servant is expected to harvest more, depending on what they were given. And a related principle concludes the parable (at verse 26): “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” This is not referring to material possessions being taken away from those who have little. It’s about refusing to share whatever God has given you for use to help others.
It is a principle that you can apply to most any aspect of your life. At whatever level you have received in that area, that is the level at which you can reasonably be expected to give. Sounds only fair to me.
Personal Worship Option:
Take some time to reflect on your blessings in different areas of your life. Give thanks to God for all of them. Also reflect on whether you need to increase your use of those blessings to glorify God and serve other people.
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