Sunday, September 15, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

What Are You Doing With Your MUCH?

Luke 12:48 ... When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

Have you ever wondered if people in high positions such as the President ever longingly consider what it would be like to work at a 9-5 job where they could leave the office, go home to pick up their families, and just go bowling......LEAVING all of the critical matters AT THE OFFICE? Let's be honest - haven't we all daydreamed of how much better it would be to have someone else's job .... a job with less stress .... a job with less responsibility .... a job that didn't require so much of our time!

I am sure that we have all felt this way at times when things seem to come at us in all directions. I know that I have. Today's verse reminds us that God expects much from those to whom He gives much. This verse is often limited in our minds to material things, financial wealth, or job-related responsibilities. However, I believe that God is referring to the SPIRITUAL gifts that He has bestowed upon us as well.

1 Peter 4:10 states that "God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." I once came across a very simple definition of spiritual gifts - "the God-given capacity of every Christian to carry out His function in the body of Christ".

My challenge to you today is to stop and take inventory of the gifts that God has so generously given to you. If you are a gifted cook, prepare a delicious meal for a neighbor in need. If you have been blessed with a green thumb, use this gift to spruce up someone's neglected flower garden. If you are in charge of a huge organization, find ways to address the needs of those who have been placed under your leadership. Romans 14:12 reveals that ONE DAY "each of us will give a personal account to God." At this point of your life, would God be pleased with what you have done for Him thus far?

Dear Lord, You tell us in Galatians 6:9 to "not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." I ask you to renew my strength at those times when life's expectations cause me to grow weary. Help me to stay focused on Your expectations for my life based on what You have so generously entrusted me with.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.