God is not a cosmic abstract or blank canvas to project self-centered notions onto.

He has specific characteristics and has revealed Himself to us (through the Person of Christ, and His Word). However, we can easily find ourselves drifting toward a focus on stories and personal narratives at the expense of spending time in the actual scripture. As disciples we must remain diligent to keep our focus on the raw, unbridled power of God’s Word because our strength depends on it.

In Luke 12, Jesus describes a master charging his servants to run the household affairs while he’s gone. When the master returned, he found several that weren’t doing what they knew to do, and he punished them severely. Jesus then summed it up this way:

“…for everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” – Luke 12:48b NKJV

The Christian life includes requirements. Our Master didn’t speak in a timid fashion, hoping to be recognized as the right voice among many, He spoke then/and speaks now with authority. Through His wonderful grace we are saved (and not by works – Eph. 2:8-9), but we must also never forget that we’re His (and not our own – 1 Cor. 6:19).

What is the Master requiring of you today?