Monday, December 7, 2009

Being Given Much

"To whom much is given much is required."

--Luke 12:48

We often think of this scripture relevant to abundant wealth. But I saw it differently when I read it recently after having committed it to memory since my youth: Since much is a relative term, we are all required to give. Give something.

6 comments:

Dave Wheeler said...

Judith,

I most definitely agree with your intepretation. I found out this morning the last person I spoke to before leaving work Friday passed suddenly this week-end. We are given much when we are granted the gift of life. Giving something is a small price to pay for this priviledge indeed!

And if you are a CEO or senior executive in the banking and finance sector who is living large and getting paid for poor performance...give much twice! Personally and professionally!

Judith Ellis said...

"We are given much when we are granted the gift of life. Giving something is a small price to pay for this priviledge indeed!"

Beautiful, Dave. Thank you.

With regards to CEOs and senior executives, yes, they should give. My emphasis here is the giving that each of us can do. Sometimes we think that we don't have enough ourselves. How can we give? When I have lacked resources the most is when I was determined to give more.
What an empowering state this is.

May God bless the family of the deceased abundantly.

May God bless you, my friend.

Corrie Howe said...

I agree, much is relative. Look at the widow who tithed all that she had in front of Jesus.

Judith Ellis said...

Oh, what a beautiful example, Corrie. Thank you.

Opaque said...

Very profound scripture here! And, I readily agree that "much" is quite relative. As Mother Theresa put it, "If you cannot feed a hundred people, then just feed one".

It is simple, innit? I mean, you can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving.

Thanks for sharing this Judith!

Judith Ellis said...

Ajey - Oh, what a beautiful quote by Mother Teresa. I have loved her since middle school. I also love your words about love and giving. Thank you, my talented young friend.