'To Whom Much is Given...' What's your MUCH?

'To whom much is given, much is required...'.  That's what the Word says and what my parents instilled in me during my formative years.  Here I am 44 years later and those words still ring in my ears.  This quote is a broad statement and encompasses so much.  If you possess a lot of material things then you may be held accountable for more, or, if you have been blessed with knowledge, your expertise may be called upon more than the average thinker.  Could it possibly mean, the calling that God has placed on your life requires you to sacrifice more than your blue collar worker.  I'm not sure, but I think it means all of these things. 


There have been some overwhelming circumstances that have surrounded my life, recently, and for some reason this scripture keeps jumping out of my head and shaking everything inside.  I have grown frustrated with their weaknesses, becoming angry, even irate, over the lack of discipline they have demonstrated.  I mean, seriously, how could they NOT see the good in front of them and choose a positive lifestyle rather than the road they are walking now?  These thoughts have consumed me to the point of causing me physical sickness and lack of sleep.  Why am I being so judgmental?  Who put me in charge?  What right do I have to sit back and criticize how someone else processes life?  Sure, I've had my ups & downs, but if I could pull myself out of despair, how come they can't choose to do the same? 


These thoughts....all consuming thoughts!  These thoughts aren't making me sound like a good person I know, but they are real and I can't ignore them or act like their not torture.  


After, dealing with all of these fault finding thoughts, I found myself on my knees, asking God for forgiveness.  I, too, once battled demons that I didn't think I would ever conquer.  But, this scripture...'to whom much is given, much is required...'.  Why were these words so resounding in my ears and head?  I guess, for me, it was all about GRACE & MERCY.  You see,  I was given a lottery on GRACE & MERCY!  God's GRACE & MERCY, not Mans.  God's GRACE & MERCY see's the weaknesses and faults but, takes us in his arms and keeps us no matter the faults.  He looks beyond it all!  He sees the future of what we can be and the differences we can make if we will be strong enough to CHOOSE His Way!  It wasn't too long ago, I was one of those I've been having contempt for lately. 


I had to do a reality check, and Thank God once again for His GRACE & MERCY and pray that I may be able to do the same for my loved ones in need.


'To whom much is given, Much is required...'.  What's your MUCH?  Mine is GRACE & MERCY.