By: Rev. Dr. Delores Carpenter
Senior Pastor, Michigan Park Christian Church, Decatur, GA
Adapted for web by Theresia Whitfield

“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.” (Luke 12:48b, NRSV)

This text, drawn from the parable that teaches us to be ever vigilant and ready for the Lord’s coming, also establishes the principles of accountability and responsibility. Blessings are not to be treated as pearls and placed before swine — unappreciated, mismanaged, mistreated, trampled upon, and abused. We are not to do with our blessings whatever we please — as if they are ours. Blessings are given to us to manage, for the Bible teaches that God, the giver of every good and perfect gift, holds us accountable for the way we treat the blessings that heaven’s grace bestows upon our lives. However we’re blessed — whether with riches, education, a good job, a good companion, children, the exuberance of youth, long life, friends or people who love us, health, a creative mind, a particular talent or spirituality — we must manage our blessings wisely and handle them well. For one day we shall give an account for the way we have treated or mistreated our blessings.