Your Payback (9/30/2009)

When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. (Luke 12:48)

Looking back over your life, do you think you have been given much? Think about that for just a second.

Now, you may be thinking of all the great stuff your parents, or grandparents, your girlfriend or boyfriend may have given you – cell phones, Xbox’s, iPods, the latest jeans, jewelry, flowers. Even those of us who think they are “just getting by” can usually point to a drawer or closet at home full of “stuff.”

But I am not talking about the stuff we get for each other.

My question is – do you think you have been given much…by God? I mean, how much has God blessed you?

When we think about how much we have been given, we usually think of our drawers and closets and garages and basements and attics filled to the brim with all the stuff “we just had to have.”

But when we think about how much God has blessed each one of us, how easy is it for you to move beyond the “stuff”, and realize all the other cool things God does for you everyday?

Do you think about the natural skills you have, maybe in a sport, or in a hobby like music? Chalk that one up to God.

Do you think about your physical health? Chalk that one up to God.

Do you think about your family, your friends? Chalk that one up to God.

So when you take everything that you have into account, just where do you stand? My bet is that compared to most of the world’s population, you’re probably looking pretty good today!

But (oh you just knew there was a “but” coming) here’s the point – ask yourself this – based on what you’ve been given by God, what does he expect of you?

It’s really important to start changing the way you think not only about your piles of stuff, but EVERYTHING that makes you who you are. God has made you and given you what you have for a reason. He has a plan for just for you, a plan that is like no other. And my bet is that this plan includes you making some kind of difference in the world. This is what God expects in return for what He has given you – for you to make a difference in the world FOR HIM.

So, how can you start re-paying God’s generosity today by making a difference in the world? Have some spending money? Try doing something with what little cash you think you have for someone who needs it. In pretty good health? How can you assist someone who needs help?

Folks, the world is full of complacent people who just go through the motions everyday and shrug through shoulders when faced with opportunities to serve the one who made us and gave us everything we have. Be different, today! Step out in faith, today!

Start giving back to God, today!