The topic of “to whom much is given much is required” is one of the most popular topics for modern-day Christians. It is not only used by Christians but also as a philosophical language reflected in films such as Spiderman, “With great power comes great responsibility.” What does it mean from a biblical perspective?
To discuss its meaning, we must analyze the different parts of the phrase in four sections. First, is the truth that God gives much. Second, is the idea that no one has the right to live alone for himself. Third, is the emphasis that everything we receive comes with great responsibility. And lastly, that we should use the gifts and talents that are given to us. We shall tackle these points in detail.
The Generosity of God Is Boundless
God is generous to His servants. The book of Luke specifically states this, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).
The only thing we need to do is ask. And when God gives, it is boundless and plenty, especially for people who have worked so hard. But does God also give plenty to those who do not work hard?
Yes, God does not choose. If we ask for it, it shall be given in due time. Acts 20:35 states, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
But God reminds us through Paul that he wants his people to be generous as well. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians that, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Therefore, we must wholeheartedly give what we can because God gives to us and is very generous. This is where the phrase, “to whom much is given much is required” is applicable.
However, despite God’s generosity, human as we are, we often forget to give to others. We forget that we are required to be like God and be generous. It is God’s will for us that we give back to others whatever we have received from God.
No One Has the Right to Live for Himself Alone
The phrase, “to whom much is given much is required” also means that “no one has the right to live alone for himself” rather, it specifically implies that much is required from one individual.
This requirement means a requirement towards others and not to oneself. We can read this in the Bible as Paul writes to the Romans and says, “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone” (Romans 14:7).
Thus, it is important that whatever we do, we must bear in mind that we are not only doing it for ourselves but also for the benefit of others.
Furthermore, it is also important that we are reminded that God is with us during every good deed. We are not alone. The Bible says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
There Is Great Responsibility for What We Have Received
The phrase, “to whom much is given much is required” also emphasizes that everything we receive comes with great responsibility.
Yes, the Lord God is so generous to His followers, but it also means His followers should be responsible for using what He has given. It is emphasized in Luke 12:48 as stated, “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.”
The verse specifically states the word “demand” which means God demands from His followers and it should be followed. Romans 14:10 further supports this in the verse, “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
This means that all are accounted for by God and that we should not be complacent in accepting His gifts, rather, use it for the benefit of His kingdom.
Furthermore, it is also written, “But let each one test his work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his load” (Galatians 6:4-5).
For this reason, we should not boast if we have done good deeds but rather be thankful for God’s generosity. He is the reason why we can do generous things.
Talents Should Be Used When Given to Us
The phrase, “to whom much is given much is required” also talks about talents. We glorify God by using our talents. Talents are God-given through the power of the Holy Spirit. Each person has specific skills and talents that have been given to them.
For example, in church, one may be good at speaking in front of the crowd, while the other may be good at leading the songs and praises, while the other may be skilled in managing the church’s finances honestly and tediously. Each one has his own talents and it is why they should be used.
We are reminded about this in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This verse specifically implies that God wants us to use our talents for good, and further states that God has prepared it in advance so that we may use it well.
We are also reminded that every talent is from God and God alone, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). Because of this, we must use our talents to exalt God in every way.
What Does This Mean?
The phrase, “to whom much is given much is required” is an upfront reminder by God that even if He has given a lot for us, we have to be generous. It also reminds us that we are not alone in the quest for doing good and that we have to be responsible in using His gifts.
It also reminds us that God has given us talents and that we have to use these talents that He has given to exalt His mighty name. Simply put, God demands this from us, and we must obey.
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Glory Dy has been a content creator for more than 10 years. She lives in a quiet suburb with her family and four cats.
