Greater Privileges Mean Greater Accountability

by David Gibson

The following principle, stated by Jesus, I take with utmost seriousness because I know how directly it applies to me:

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48).

In the verses preceding this statement Jesus emphasized that the greater our knowledge of God’s will, the greater our accountability to Him at the Judgment. This is brought out in a parallel passage:

“Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 'Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you’” (Matthew 11:20-24).

My Prayer

O Lord, I know that to whom much is given, of him much will be required. You have blessed me with godly parents who taught me to love Your word and Your church, and they modeled the faith for me.

You gave me the Vine Street church where I was nurtured and given opportunities in my youth to develop my potential to serve. You gave me Christian teachers from whom I learned so much. I am so undeserving of Your abundant daily kindnesses.

In view of all this and in view of the Judgment to come, please help me to show a good return on Your great investment in me, especially the blood of Your Son and the Holy Spirit to dwell within.

May I be a good steward of Your manifold grace, faithfully using the abundant advantages You have entrusted to my care to bless many and hinder none, and all for Your glory.

In the name of Your Son I ask it. Amen and amen.