"It's Not About What You Are Given - It's About What You Produce..."

“It’s Not About What You Are Given – It’s About What You Produce…”

When we receive a heavenly gift should we hoard it, treasure it or make it to increase? It’s not a trick question and most of us already know the answer – we are to make it increase. What does that mean?

Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. ~Matthew 25:16-17 NASB95

We should always honor the gifts our Father God has chosen to shower our lives. We should seek the Kingdom of God first for direction in how to best increase our gift.

What about those of us that have been broken in ways that we squander most or all of our gifts? Is it possible to “spend” all of our gifts / lose our gifts?

And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. ~Luke 15:21-24 NASB95

So, if we receive and increase we are rewarded with massive increase. When we receive and lose then return to God, our gifts are restored.

Should we abuse the graciousness of our Father by continually living in sin only to return and flip-flop back and forth; are their consequences? Yes.

For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? ~Hebrews 10:26-29 NASB95

We are to increase the gifts we receive from God. We received Jesus Christ when we are baptized and at some point afterwards we receive the gift the Holy Spirit. These two gifts from Father God are beyond description and deliver the peace that is beyond comprehension. We accept these gifts, which means we are to accept the responsibility that goes along with them. The most important responsibility is the fear of God – not wanting to fail in the eyes of God. Having a burning desire to do the right thing in the sight of God. This is our responsibility. This is the anchor that keeps us grounded in doing the right thing.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:7 NASB95