Much Given, Much Required

 

    "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required" (Luke 12:48).

    "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (II Peter 1:3).

 

    God does not coddle His trusting sons and daughters in Christ.  He is loving, patient and merciful with us beyond all imagining, but His provision in the Lord Jesus is so vast that He expects and commands that we will live increasingly vibrant lives of godliness.

 

    Having given to us "all things that pertain to life and godliness," our Heavenly Father thus requires much of us.  Born again believers are super-energized spiritual beings inhabited by the Spirit of Christ Himself.  Low expectation would be scandalous among such a population of people who live not by their own abilities, but by the power of God.  Believers should continually remind each other of our God-enabled capacity for faith, obedience and a life lived for His glory and the blessing of others.  "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

 

    This bold encouragement and challenge of each other does not preclude lovingkindness and patience.  It actually includes such support because we do our fellow believers no favors by minimizing or ignoring the fact of Christ's vibrant presence among us.  Indeed, if His supply for peace, joy and the capacity to trust and obey is available to our brother and sister, failure to remind, encourage and challenge each other in the light of such glory constitutes a grave disservice on our part.  Again, the provision includes "all things that pertain to life and godliness."  The requirement pales in comparison.  Let us therefore remind each other continually that the risen Christ is among us.  He has overcome all things, as shall we "through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue."

 

"In the world, ye shall have tribulation.  But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world... Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

(John 16:33; I John 5:4)