Expectations....Unrealistic?

Luke 12 is entitled in my NIV Study Bible as "Warnings and Encouragements". I am not sure who chose this title, but I do think they did a good job. This chapter is filled with red letters, and if you know the least bit about most Bibles, that means Jesus is talking. Jesus is taking advantage of his opportunity here as "many thousands" have assembled to hear his teachings. He does just that, he teaches. His teachings are very practical and he uses words and illustrations they would all understand. As I read this chapter, several things jump out at me, as if Jesus were talking directly to me. Yet, none of them as much as verse 48....

Luke 12:48, "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."

This verse really makes me check myself. I am not talking about in my pocket, it doesn't necessarily make me think I need to give more money. I am not talking about financial matters at all. It challenges me because I understand that I have been entrusted with much, as God has provided me with a place to work and minister. He has put me in a place where I am surrounded by a large group of teens and families! "Much" has been given to me...therefore much is "demanded". There is not a day that goes by that I don't wonder if I am doing what I need to be doing for the people of this place to encourage their spiritual journey. It is my goal each day to live my life worthy of what God has called me to do and where he has called me to do it! But, many times I fail. I fail to meet my expectations, others expectations, and no doubt HIS expectations. It would be easy for me to just run away from the blessings God gives us. I could just ignore them and put them off as if to say, I don't have "much" at all. Or, I could choose embrace everything he has provided me, and I can try my best to meet the expectations He has set forth!

Life is full of expectations. Many are unrealistic. But I believe that God has real expectations for us..........He says, use what I have provided you and know where much is given, much is demanded.

God, please allow me to understand your will for my life. Please allow me to use the talents you have given me. God, I want to never waste an opportunity to live for you. Please provide me with what I need to share your story with someone else! Thank you for the grace that covers all my imperfections and may I share Jesus with someone today! - Amen

Just Thinking-