“Much is required from those to whom much is given.” Luke 12:48 NLT

“There is a proportion to daily life that should not be avoided.”

My thoughts today are about “proportional expectations.”

I don’t really like that word, “required.” I would much prefer God used the word, “optional.” But He doesn’t, does he? There is really not much about life that is optional. You will discover that things that require little and are left to your option do not promise much, if any reward. Here is a principle of life: assuming an increased level of responsibility is the only path to truly growing spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

That means accepting less as optional for you, and embracing more that is mandatory, even when you would rather keep your options open. Discipleship is the continuing process of relinquishing more and more things you thought optional. You must learn to joyfully take responsibility for your decisions, mistakes, well being, success, and happiness. Not from any insistence of your independence, but as just doing what is expected, being responsible.

The Bible speaks of many things that are required in to your Christian faith, not optional. Faith in Jesus is non-negotiable, required not optional. (See Hebrews 11:6 NLT). Responsible stewardship is required, not optional. Paul wrote, “It is required that those who have been given a trust prove faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV.

Today’s verse reminds you that when accepting all that has been generously given to you by God and man, “much will be required.” The more you are given, the more that is required of you – and that will only increase as you progress. “And much more is required from the person to whom much more is given!” Luke 12:48 TEV. That seems only fair, wouldn’t you say? Refuse what’s required and you will not continue to experience generosity in the same measure. There is a proportion to daily life that should not be avoided.

Let’s be practical about this: doing what’s required means giving up your right to make excuses, or exempting yourself from your fair share, or expecting of others more than you require yourself to be. When I was preparing for a career in ministry, my Dad taught me this practical wisdom and necessity for effective leadership: “Never expect someone to do what you are not willing to do, nor expect them to give what you are not willing to give, nor expect others to go where you have not first gone.”

My prayer for you today is that you will fulfill realistic expectations, and so much more.