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.”

Perhaps you have heard the saying, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” While this statement has become somewhat of an idiom in western culture, its origin lies in the words of Jesus Himself. In Luke 12:48 Jesus said, “…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.”

So what does this idea actually mean for you and me today?

When we consider this verse in context, Jesus had just told a parable about being ready for His return. Jesus explained that when the master returns and finds the faithful servant managing his resources well, he will give him greater responsibility.

While the context of this verse is in regard to Jesus’ return, from it we can also learn a valuable lesson about stewardship.

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, stewardship means, “The conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.”

As I considered Luke 12:48 in light of the idea of stewardship, I thought about how often times stewardship is only equated with money, leaving many to feel they have not been given much. Somehow, specifically in western society, we have a tendency to think everyone else has been given much, but not us. However, I would challenge that idea today.

It is likely everyone reading this post falls into the category of “wealthy” when considered from a global perspective. However, let us not forget that stewardship refers not only to financial blessings, but to many other areas as well. We have all been entrusted with certain things, and faithfulness requires we steward those gifts wisely and for God’s glory.

While the idea of being a wise steward may seem obvious, if we’re honest, many of us would admit there have been times when we have asked God for greater blessings or responsibility without first wisely stewarding what we have already been given.

God has gifted you with passion, purpose, and potential. God has entrusted you with time, talents and opportunities. God has given you education (formal or informal) and experience. God has granted you knowledge, gifts, and abilities. God has graciously blessed you with relationships and the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others. While some of us have perhaps been given more than others in some respects, I believe it is fair to say each one of us reading this has been given much – perhaps we have just never fully realized it before.

So, how are you stewarding that which God has already given you? Are you maximizing your potential and living your life fully for His glory? Are you taking advantage of the potential God has placed within you and the opportunities in front of you? If not, why? What would need to change to wisely steward all you have been given?

Let us remember today we have each been given much – and to whom much is given much is required. Before asking God for more, let’s ensure we are wisely stewarding what we have already been given.