Often I’ve asked myself the question, “Why was I chosen to receive so much when all over the world there are countless millions who have so little? What did I do to deserve such blessing?” The answer is, nothing. I don’t deserve it, and I have to remember that with every blessing comes a responsibility.
Here in America, we are blessed. Yes, even in spite of a suffering economy, we have so much. And so often, in spite of being blessed with so much, our response is to enjoy it and live a long and happy life as much as possible. We settle down, we love our families, we enjoy life, and we make money. But why were we chosen to be the ones who have so much?
It is because God has chosen us to have a greater responsibility. We were not blessed because we are so much better than other parts of the world. We were not blessed because we come from Christian families and we are good people. No. We were blessed to be a blessing. We were blessed to share with those who don’t have.
In many places in the world, people are bound by a caste system. I have an Indian friend whom I have watched over the years, and while I suspect she still thinks in terms of caste, there is a responsibility that she takes as one who is more fortunate than others. “I am fortunate, therefore I help those who are not as fortunate.” Muslims are required according to their five basic laws to give alms, particularly to the poor and needy. It’s a concept practiced throughout the world, albeit often with impure motives. So where are we as God’s children?
As Christians, we give, but far too often we hold back what is most valuable. What do we have that is our most precious possession—the most precious gift? This salvation that is a free gift to us. And then Christ said, “Go into all the world and share it” (My version of the Great Commission here.)
Am I holding back the very blessing that I was given to share?
Can you hear the cry? With what we’ve been given, will we take responsibility?
