More Responsibility, Greater Accountability - Luke 12:48

"Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." Jesus told His disciples two parables about the end of the age in Luke 12:35-48. Jesus told the second parable in response to a question from Peter asking to whom these parables are applicable. In this second parable Jesus contrasts the actions of a servant who was manager over a household and is conscientious about fulfilling His duties whether the master is there or not--Jesus called him "faithful and wise" (vs. 42)--and another manager who acts irresponsibly in the master's absence--Jesus called him "unfaithful" (vs 46). The answer to Peter's question was that more accountability is required from those who are delegated more responsibility. As we grow more competent in performing God's will, then He assigns us more opportunities and responsibility for service, but a higher standard of behavior is required. Simply stated, those with a higher level of authority and/or responsibility in God's Kingdom are held to a higher standard of accountability. And what is true for the Kingdom of God holds true in every aspect of our lives--family, job, business, civic, etc.--more responsibility demands greater accountability.