S179P6 – A life in parables: to those who know better

Lk. 12:47‭-‬48

The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.  But the one who does not know and does 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.

It might seem really cool to think that God would trust us with his secrets, and it is, but that is not all it is.  I remember the first few times I came across scriptures telling me that God would let me know about the things He thinks and feels.  Of course, I thought that someone like me is simply not worthy of that, but here is the thing about worth.  None of us is worthy of being God’s friend and knowing his secrets, but each of us can become worthy of it.  Whether I am worthy to be trusted with these great treasures is not known until I receive them.  The question is really about what I do with them, whether I use them or waste them.

This parable is about knowing better, and it applies in many contexts.  Like the one who is shown the faces of the poor and given the ability and opportunity to meet their need, God expects us to do what we know we should do.  Sometimes it is about taking advantage of opportunities to please him.  Other times it is about doing what we know we are explicitly commanded to do.  God shares his knowledge and wisdom with us not just for us to hold on to them.  He wants us to do something with them.  We receive tools because there is work for us to do.  We receive knowledge in order to share it with others.  We are shown the way so that we can show others the way.

This is serious business.  What the Lord is telling us is that there are real consequences for wasting what God gives us.  Everything we receive is a resource given for a reason.  We are responsible for putting those things to good use because that is a reflection of our faithfulness to God.  If we want to please him, we will do what we know we should do.  If we want to obey him, there is no need to fear punishment.  If we love him, we will want to use what He gives us.  Those who desire to please God with their obedience will be given what they need to obey faithfully.  Father, thank You for trusting us with so much, and guide us in being faithful servants of the master.