A Sense of Responsibility

Scripture:

Luke 12:43 Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives.
Luke 12:44 Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.
Luke 12:45 But if that slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk,
Luke 12:46 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful.
Luke 12:47 That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating.
Luke 12:48 But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.

Observation:

Around the fringes of the conversation stood the religious leaders. These were the ones who had studied the law and knew the intent. With this knowledge came great responsibility for they were to be the spiritual leaders of God’s people. As leaders they were to be God’s messengers and servants in the world and were to be caretakers. The warning was clear, those to whom much responsibly had been given, were required to act in faithfulness. If not, their punishment would be severe.

Application:

Intentional disobedience to the will of God by those who have been called into spiritual leadership has serious consequences. The problem is that we try to trick ourselves into believing that our decisions affect no one but ourselves. I remember sitting in a theology class and having one of those “aha” moments. Our professor was talking about the “Day of Judgment” and how it has to await its appointed time because the decisions we make while living here on this earth continue on with a trajectory into the future with long-lasting consequences. When we die the results of our life will live on and therefore we await the final judgment.

Think of the responsibility that we have as parents. The way in which we raise our children will affect our grandchildren and our great grandchildren into the future. Should we serve the Lord, there is a good chance that they will serve the Lord. However, if we make a decision to pull away from the Lord and the Church, we are not just making a decision for ourselves but possibly for future generations. Is that the kind of legacy that we want to leave?

Not only is this responsibility required within the family, but also in places where we may have authority. A pastor must lead with integrity. I remember having a conversation with a friend of mine and she was saying that we shouldn’t expect more from our Spiritual leaders than we do from ourselves. In a sense I agree with this, but on the other hand I don’t. Jesus was saying that those to whom much has been given, much would be required. If God gives a person a place of Spiritual leadership over others — this is much! There should be a high standard placed upon the lives of these individuals for they are in positions where their very lives lead others. Either their lives will point in the direction of Christ or not. Much will be required!

We have seen too many spiritual leaders fall when they have taken their eyes off of the responsibility placed before them. What is that responsibility? To love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. This must always come first. When there is great responsibility there is even greater need to be dependent upon the Lord. And then responsibility carries us out into a needy world where we are to love neighbor as ourselves.

We must take seriously any places of influence in which God has placed us and be responsible for our actions. There is a higher standard for leadership and no way to meet the expectations without knowing the Master.

Prayer:

Lord, please help me to know you more and more every day.  Amen.