Derek Smith
Lead Pastor
Luke 12:48
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.
The story is told of two shipwrecked men in tattered clothes slouched together at one end of a lifeboat. In the same boat there were three others at the opposite end bailing water as fast as possible, working feverishly to keep the vessel afloat. One of the men then says to the other, “Thank God that hole isn’t in our end of the boat!”
Some people are professionals at shirking responsibility, set on just enjoying the ride while everyone else does the work. “Someone else will do it,” they say. “That’s not my gift,” others propose. “I don’t have time,” some declare. The old rule of thumb in the church is that 20% of the people do 80% of the giving, serving, and inviting. Jesus here tells us that to whom much is given much is required. We do not earn God’s favor by serving, giving, or inviting. However, when Christ is our Lord it now becomes our joy both to worship Him and to work for Him.
The practical truth is that it takes prayer, money, time, and invitations to build the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the responsibility of every Child of God to work in and support the work of his or her local church or the church will cease to exist. If I don’t serve in that ministry, who will? If I don’t give, who will? If I don’t share Christ with my neighbor, who will? Thank the Lord for all the saints of God who went before us and invested their prayers, worship, money, and time into the church of the Lord Jesus. We are here today because of their investment, and the upcoming generations are counting on us to do the same. What kind of church do we want for our kids and grandkids in the years ahead? May we never forget this principle: to whom much is given much is required. We have been given so much in the gospel and by the church of yesterday, therefore it should be our joy to give back. If you’re not praying, giving, serving, and inviting others to know Christ, start today. Be all in for the one who paid it all for you. I can promise you one thing: you will never regret one dollar given, one hour served, or one bold conversation you have for Jesus’ sake and the sake of His Church.