This is a companion piece to “Greater Things” –
“From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.”
(Luke 12:48, AMP)
I interpret this verse to mean that to those of us who know that the Lord has bestowed much on us, that we will be required, entrusted, and be expected to do ‘much’. However, don’t miss the last of the sentence… all the ‘more’! How does the Lord define ‘much’ and ‘more’? Obviously, there undoubtedly is no universal definition but are we aware of how we define ‘much been given’, ‘much required’, and ‘all the more’.
Do we consider ourselves as ‘much given’? Again, this is our definition A ‘little’ to one person may be ‘more’ to another or vice versa. These questions speak to what kind of relationship are we developing with the Lord, do we trust Him in all, and do we feel empowered to do what’s ‘required’? And those are only some of the questions that spring to our minds. Will we ‘suffer’? I do think we immediately think in terms of loss or ‘paying the piper’ for what we’ve received. Do we remember that the Lord said to us that He would never leave us (Hebrews 13:5)? Do we remember Hs words that tell us we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)? Do we remember that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13)? Then… if suffering is what we may face, we also have a great deal available to us to endure.
“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4, AMP)
Honestly, I never appreciated this verse until I began looking at it with different eyes. If you start at the end of verse 4 you see – ‘lacking in nothing’! Now begin at the beginning of verse 2. There’s a purpose, a reason for our less than positive times in our lives. We can use them as equipping times to further us in our upward call in Christ (Philippians 3:14).
Struggles and sufferings are not just times to go through – we are to use those times to become strengthened in what we are called to and who we’re becoming. Firstly we know the source of those struggles (John 10:10) and it isn’t the Lord who tempted us (James 1:13) and He knows our struggles and provides a way through (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Do you see and understand just how much the Lord has given us? That we all fall into the ‘much given’ category. He never has given us ‘more’/’much’ so that we would feel we were obligated. He gave because of His love and care. He continues to do this. We only need to recognize our much given and then to Stand (Ephesians 6:13-16) because that’s all we need to do.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” (John 16:33, AMP)
Even when we think or feel that what’s being asked is far beyond our ability to accomplish… remember these words and do what’s at your hand to the best of your ability. That’s what’s asked.
