So exactly what is ‘much’? It really has no definition and yet multiple ones. Much is more than more… but that really doesn’t help us because that would mean we would need to quantify ‘more’ somehow. And that’s part of the problem – there really is no standard for either word. And why am I whinging on about much? Because of the scripture that says: To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Personally I’m a much given person, but what is much required?
To attempt to answer that, the first point is that this should not inspire fear. Scripture (1Timothy 1:7) states that we have not been given a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. If you are feeling fearful then maybe the problem is that you are looking to ‘do’ much from your own strength. That never works. It really isn’t about you. And that isn’t what the scripture says. Waiting until your ‘much’ instructions are written in the sky doesn’t accomplish anything either. What’s at your hand to do?
One of the problems that the church world faces is that we all tend to find scriptures and/or promises that we like and then repeat them to the point that they often seem to take on a life apart from what is said. The first thing we need to do is to read scripture in light of the verses before and after what we are quoting. What was happening when Jesus made that comment in Luke? He was teaching. He was helping his disciples to understand what this life was and what their responsibilities were. And this particular verse is at the end of the teaching on the faithful and evil servant.
Once you begin to remember other scriptures that will strengthen you for your ‘much’ then suddenly you don’t need to feel that you aren’t ‘ready’ to do… much. And when you see your ‘much’ as an extension of who you are and not necessarily a limelight event, then you can go forward confidently. ‘Much’ is not a one time flash-in-the-pan event but is based on your willingness and availability to be and to do… much.
…but, what do you think?
