What a blessing it is to be a member of God’s family (II Cor. 6:18). Children of God—a statement difficult to comprehend—but true for those who are called out from the world, purified from sin by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ through obedience in baptism (Heb. 10:22). God’s family is made up of children, not clones. All members are not the same. Each one has unique design and each one is essential. Some have a lot of knowledge, others not so much. Some may think more deeply than others. Some members seem to be happier than others, but all should rejoice in Christ (Phil. 4:4). Some have very different standing in the world. All are members in particular (I Cor. 12:27-31) and hold a special place in the eyes of God.
Some have little with little ability (Matt. 25:24ff; Luke 19:20). Often the one-talent man is cited and it may be true that some members have only one talent. It is too often the case that individuals actually have many talents, but just using one. Jesus’ instruction was to the one or many to use your talents to the glory of God.
Some do much with little. Do you remember Shamgar, who killed 600 Philistines with just an ox goad (Judges 3:31)? It can be done. The poor widow (Luke 21:3) didn’t have much but gave all, and Jesus commended her! She had little, but what a marvelous example.
Some unfortunately do little with much. The rich farmer (Luke 12:16-21) was only concerned with growing his business and living on “easy street.” No record of him helping a soul. The Lord called him a “fool” and posed the question; “this night shall thy soul be required of thee, then whose shall these things be?” (v. 20). The rich man of Luke 16 is another. Many believe this to be an actual account. He had little to no regard for the poor around him including righteous Lazarus. He lifted up his eyes in torment while the poor man he passed at his gates was comforted. He had much and did little good with it losing his soul forever! The rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-26) was not willing to give up his wealth to serve the Lord. “Not many mighty are called” (I Cor. 1:26). With much blessing comes the expectation of much good.
The father of the faithful, Abraham, did much with much (Gen. 13:2). He was one of the richest men of the Bible and great in faith earning the name Abraham. Moses had the world by the tail (Heb. 11:24), a prince in Egypt, a life of wealth set for him, but dedicated his time and talent to leading the people of God. Saul of Tarsus was another, a Jew of Jews, a highly educated Hebrew scholar (Acts 22), but turned his back on all of that to use his great talent for the Lord.
Where do you fit in God’s family (II Cor. 5:10)? Are you giving your best to the Master? A Christian should feel empowered and use God-given talents in His service to the fullest by the authority of God to the glory of God (Matt. 6:1-4). Good leaders encourage individual development and expression. God’s family needs everyone. What a blessing it is to be a member of the royal family!
-David Hill
