01/12/2025
THE LAW OF PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY
“But the one who did not know, and did things deserving punishment, will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” — Luke 12:48.
This Scripture addresses the relationship between the servant and his Master in regard to privileges and responsibilities. Here we encounter what theologians call the Law of Privilege and Responsibility. Charles Spurgeon once said: “If God has given you talents, influence, and time, do not bury them. Responsibility grows in proportion to the grace received. The servant who received much yet served little is the most guilty.” With that in mind, we ask: what exactly does God require? 1) God demands faithfulness — not merely results. 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 2) God demands accountability. Luke 16:2: “So he called him and said to him, ‘Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’” 3) God demands fruit — not just activity. John 15:8: “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” 4) God demands obedience in proportion to knowledge. Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
God, as the greatest of all investors, expects us to return in service, dedication, and surrender everything we have received from Him. So we must ask ourselves: how have you managed what God has entrusted to you? R. C. Sproul adds: “In the kingdom of God there are no privileges without responsibilities. Every gift given by God carries a calling — and that calling will be evaluated by Him.” May our Father keep us from becoming fascinated merely with the privileges we receive, and instead keep us awake, watchful, and sensitive to the responsibilities we carry before a lost world. Amen.
ELP - Edson Lemos Pereira
