Connections: Blessings and Responsibility

“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 110:5)

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48)

“What you are is God’s gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God.”
~ Danish Proverb


If you are reading this, you are blessed. Situationally, the inspirations and motivations and migrations of generations before you have, by no virtue of your own, produced opportunity, freedom, and security in your life.

You are blessed in that you can read—nearly one out of every five people in this world can’t. You are blessed in that you have a computer to use, when four out of every five people on Earth live on less than ten dollars a day (That’s around $3500 a year, by the way). You are blessed that you have access to the Internet, and through it, the rest of the world—75 percent don’t. Peace, education, food, drinking water, family and friends, shelter… we have all of the above.

Look at your immediate surroundings. I personally am sitting wrapped in a warm blanket, with central heating buzzing around me, under electric lights, with coordinating furniture, painted walls, a bed, a TV, and three guitars resting against stands and walls (I could defend myself with “But one is my brother’s!” but I have a fourth resting in my room anyway.). These and many more amenities that we consider standard, most of the world’s population will never have.

But your blessings aren’t only material. If you’re reading this, you are more than likely a Christian, and if you aren’t, you are at least free to make your own choice without fear of persecution or death. Also, believing or not, simply living in the Western world means that you have some experience with the body of Christ—whether it be years of Sunday school and church, or a single friend.

Meanwhile, some live and die without ever hearing His name.

So what will we do with these blessings? In a word? Serve. Note that in countless passages, such as the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-28), and the “Watchfulness” section of Luke 12 (verses 35-48), not to mention Jesus’ talk with the disciples about the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44), God judges our service according to our means. And whether we recognize it or not, our means are plentiful. It is our responsibility, and ours alone, to serve him with what He has given us.

Around Christmastime, it’s easy to remember the baby Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes, born in a manger, getting gifts from wise men, and so forth. But this Christmas season, remember Jesus devoted to us—He who lived and died that none might perish. And who, beyond the gift of grace, blessed us. As you celebrate the holidays, enjoy the blessing of this beautiful world, filled with music and laughter and people you love.

Sitting here, warm and safe, happy and full, I begin to realize just how much He has provided. And how much He deserves in return, invested in His people, for the glory of His kingdom.

Facts and Figures taken from the CIA World Factbook and the International Telecommunications Union, Accessed 12-17-09