As a believer in the Lord Jesus, what accountability do I have to him?
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.
Luke 12:48b
This verse is found in an extended passage about watching and being ready when our Lord returns. The ones who faithfully wait and serve the Lord up until that time will be rewarded. But it will not so good for those who live as though he were not returning; as if they were not accountable to him.
What Jesus says here is applicable to all walks of life. The more I have been given, whether in knowledge, training, abilities, or other advantages, the more is expected of me. This is true in the workplace, where increased performance is expected with experience and training. It is true in raising children, holding our kids more accountable for their actions as they grow and learn. And it is equally true of us as believers in the Lord Jesus.
Accountability to Jesus
We have been given the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have been given the word of God. And we have been given the Holy Spirit to enable and equip us for service. Because of that, much more is expected of us than from the people of this world.
As believers, we have accountability to our Lord. Indeed, the more we learn of God; the greater our exposure to the Bible; the more we are expected to grow in discipleship and maturity.
God has every right to expect more of me, after following him for 48 years, than he does a new believer. Much has been given to me. And much more will be asked of me. Do I measure up?
