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A Matter of Responsibility

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
Luke 12:47–48
In his speech to the Harvard graduating class in 2007, Bill Gates revealed the impact his mother had on his life by encouraging him to do good for others. Gates said, “A few days before my wedding, she hosted a bridal event, at which she read aloud a letter about marriage that she had written to Melinda. My mother was very ill with cancer at the time, but she saw one more opportunity to deliver her message, and at the close of the letter she said: ‘From those to whom much is given, much is expected.’”
Whatever we have is a gift from God. He has graciously given us life, talents, abilities, and resources to use in His Kingdom. These gifts, however, come with a requirement and an expectation—that we will put them to use. In the parable of the talents, Jesus talked about the condemnation that came to the servant who hid what he had been given to ensure it would not be lost. “His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed” (Matthew 25:26).
God expects and has a right to demand a return on the investment He has made in our lives. Every one of us has opportunities to do things for Him that no one else does. You were uniquely created and gifted by God for His purposes, so put everything you have to work for Him.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Rather than wishing you had more resources, focus on using whatever God has given you for His glory.

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“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”   --John 15:13 John Bunyan, the author of the classic book, Pilgrims Progress, said, “You haven’t lived today until you’ve done something for someone who cannot pay you back.” That is such a powerful truth, and few people in America understand its meaning as well as those who serve in the U.S. military. Since America’s struggle for independence from Britain to today’s global war against terrorism, countless men and women have answered duty’s call. They have performed a tremendous service that cannot be repaid. And untold numbers have made the ultimate sacrifice… giving their life’s blood for the cause of freedom. Maybe you are the loved one or a friend of one of these who has died for our country. If so, you, too, have made a sacrifice that many cannot even imagine. But Jesus recognized just such sacrifice in John 15:13 when he said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” This Memorial Day, let’s remember the courageous men and women who have given their lives to ensure our freedom… or to give the precious gift of freedom to another nation. May their patriotism and their love for God and country inspire us to do something selfless for our fellow man. “You haven’t lived today until you’ve done Something for someone who cannot pay you back.”