TO WHOM IS IT GIVEN AND TAKEN?
In total contrast to the world view that we should give to people who do not have and take from people who have so that it can be shared, the Bible says that in the kingdom providence, more will be given to those who have and from those who do not have, even what they have will be taken away (Matthew 13:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18; Luke 19:26).
ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVERYTHING
We live a life that God has given for us to live on earth. So, we are accountable for whatever He has given us – a family, job, dwelling place, education, talents, wisdom, time, freedom, finance, resources, etc. We are sure to give account to every single thing we are given. Even if we don’t waste them but safeguard them, we are at a great risk of answering God. Man is given responsibility to keep, guard, replenish and multiply all that has been endowed to him in this life (Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:15).
In His parable in Luke 19:11-27, Jesus talked about a prince who went to a far country on an assignment of receiving His own kingdom and would return back. Before going, He called ten of His servants and equally shared among them ten minas (money), asking them to trade with it until He comes. He expects them to make the most out of whatever He has given them. On His return He wished to know how they had traded with it. One of the servants said that he had earned ten more minas, one said he had earned five more and one said that he had safely wrapped it in a handkerchief and gave it to the Master, saying that he knew that His Master was a hard man and would collect what He did not deposit and reap what He did not sow, and that he feared his Master. Instead of carrying out his responsibility, this servant blamed the Master Himself. To the one who earned ten more minas, the Master gave authority over ten cities, five cities to the one who earned five minas and took away the one mina from the one who had not traded at all and gave it to the one who had earned ten more. The Master rebuked the one who had not done anything. When those that were standing there said that he already had ten minas, Jesus said, “I tell you that to everyone who has [because he valued his gifts from God and has used them wisely], more will be given; but from the one who does not have [because he disregarded his gifts from God], even what he has will be taken away.’ Those who did not want Him to reign over them or submit their accounts to Him were ordered to be killed.
This parable clearly speaks about Jesus Christ who came to the world to save sinners have taught us the way to live on earth and has gone for a while, giving us salvation, gifts, talents, families, time, health and resources. He expects us to make the most out of whatever we have.
GIVE TO HIM WHO ALREADY HAS
Whoever is faithful in the little things that he has will be trusted with more resources, for the Bible says that whoever is not faithful with the little he has will not be faithful even if a lot is given to him (Luke 16:10). For example, a person who is really busy with his household activities, business and ministry will actually have no time but will be on time in everything he does. At the same time, another person who is actually free with nothing much to do is always late for his activities. Whom does the Scripture consider to be faithful to be entrusted with more? So, dear people of God let us not blame on God saying He is partial, always giving to the one who has. His laws are unique and Scriptural.
We see people who excel in their earthly activities also excelling in their spiritual activities. The Bible says, “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of earthly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?” (Luke 16:11) Earthly families, jobs and other responsibilities are given to us to build our spiritual lives. A disobeying wife, uncaring husband, irresponsible parent, insulting children, disloyal employee, unfaithful employer, etc. – saying that they are right with God, having high spiritual standards is totally against the Scripture.
The Scripture also says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:9) The wise will listen and become more wiser (Proverbs 1:5). The wise will give ear to the rebukes for he knows that there is life in it and will gain understanding. He does not despise discipline (Proverbs 15:31-32). The intelligent man will be prudent and seek to acquire more knowledge (Proverbs 18:15).
Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7:6) By this He meant that give what is precious to the receiver who knows the value of it, otherwise the giver will be put to shame. Are we discerning receptors of the Gospel and other gifts of God? Do we know how valuable they are? Are we using them for our benefit and the glory of His name?
When we are going on God’s assignment to a city or a house, we are asked to see if they are worthy for us to stay there. We are instructed to greet peace with them. If they are worthy the peace and blessing will rest with them, and if not it will return back to us. We are asked to even shake off the dust from our feet from the city or home that did not accept the Gospel of Christ (Matthew 10:11-14).
SPEND AND BE SPENT
Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church that he would be glad to spend his own resources and even give himself for the sake of their souls (2 Corinthians 12:15). He writes to the Thessalonians that he shared the Gospel of God because he cared for them and he would even give his life for them for they were so beloved (1 Thessalonians 2:8). To the Philippian church he says that he is poured out as a drink offering to serve them, he will rejoice and share his joy with them all (Philippians 2:17). To the Ephesians he says that he worked hard with his own hands for himself and his companions and he exhorts the Ephesians to work hard and help the poor. He says it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:34-35).
INCREASE WHATEVER IS GIVEN
On creating man, God says that He has given us plants, herbs and trees not only for our food but they all contain seed which we ought to grow and multiply (Genesis 1:28-29). Women are blessed to be fruitful vine within her house (Psalm 128:3). We, the so-called bride of Christ are indeed called to be fruitful. It requires sacrifice to cast our bread upon waters. But everything that is given to us is not for our selfish spending. Only when we seed, we will have our harvest in the future. Selfish retention for ourselves will exhaust everything. So let us not keep blaming our circumstances for he who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap (Ecclesiastes 11:2-5).
The Scripture says that it is of no use to give a fool who does not have any intention of buying wisdom, the money to purchase wisdom (Proverbs 17:16). So the kingdom of God provides to the prudent and not to the lazy.
