To be given much

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

I live where much is given.  Our closets overflow and our garages

are full. We have  so much that storage rooms are rented to hold 

the abundance. Yet it never seems to be enough.  There is always 

an advertisement for one more wonderful thing that will bring 

happiness. It is easy to fall prey to a never ending quest for 

happiness through possessions.

Yet how often do we stop desiring more to consider what is expected of us for what we own. The Bible tells us much will be demanded from those who are given much.  What is it that will be demanded?  The Biblical command to “feed the poor, clothe the naked, and heal the sick”, suggest a beginning.  Certainly an abundance of possessions can be donated to feed the poor, and clothe the naked, or sold for medicine to heal the sick. There are many charities seeking donation from our abundance.

But what of non-material possessions which are given to us.  Intelligence, love, opportunity, and time are all things we possess. These are given to us as well as material possessions. What will be asked of us when we have an abundance of love in our life? Should we find ways to share our love with those who have little?  Offering friendship to those who seem friendless is one way to share your love. Sharing a meal with a lonely person is a way to share love and time. Taking time to work at a soup kitchen or visit a nursing home is another way to share.

For those with an abundance of intelligent or skilled training, working behind a desk of a non-profit organization is a way of sharing your gifts.  Teaching bible study or Sunday school is another way of sharing. Teaches can change the life of students. Office workers can smooth the path of volunteers.  Girl Scout and Boy Scout leaders share love, time, and skills while influencing young minds. The list of ways to share non-material possessions is as long as a list of local volunteers.

If we share material possessions with the poor, naked, and sick we follow Jesus’ commandment.  If we volunteer our time, love, intelligence, and skills to help others we are giving much of what we have.  But the most important gift we are given is our relationship with Christ.

The Christian walk with Jesus is the greatest gift we have received. It is ours to possess. What will be expected from us when we accept this gift? Our very lives are given in response to the love of Christ. More than our lives we are to love God with our whole heart, mind, and soul. And if we love God we are to obey his commandments. Much is expected from us indeed.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving me so much to possess.  Thank you for the material things and help me to share these with others. Thank you for the time, opportunity, intelligence, and love in my life. Help me to share these gifts with others. Most of all, thank you for letting me walk through this world with you at my side.  Thank you for your sacrificial love, eternal patience, and guiding hand.