Blessed 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 NLT)

Have you been blessed more than you deserve? Most of us have been.  What are we going to do with all that we have been given?

For example, many of us have opportunities and resources that others do not have. Perhaps you have been blessed with physical health, intelligence, or a good job. Maybe you are able to live independently and have the freedom to choose how you spend your time and energy.  Or it could be that you have social skills that allow you to make people feel comfortable and personality traits that are beneficial. Possibly you can drive a car,  speak English, operate a computer, organize a home, cook a meal, read and write, balance accounts, teach, sing, or create inspiring art. We can use all these gifts to care for ourselves and our families. Can we use it for more?

Some of us have been given painful experiences in life. We have learned a great deal from our suffering. This might not seem like a blessing at the time, but years later we are able to acknowledge the value of these afflictions. We may have developed wisdom, resilience, and a different perspective because of our difficulties. Perhaps our faith is stronger. Can we use these experiences to help others?

All we are and have we owe to God. Everything in our lives, what seems beneficial, as well as what seems unfortunate, can be used in ways we can’t even imagine right now. God has invested much in us, entrusted much to us, and expects much from us. Thus, I pray that we “may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10 NIV)