I often think of the words of a native African pastor who stayed with us a few years ago. He was amazed that American Christians that had so much wealth yet remained faithful in their commitment to Christ and the Scriptures. We conversely are amazed that many of our African brothers who endure so much poverty, hardship and persecution remain faithful to Christ. It reminds me of the word of the apostle; “each man must bear his own burden”. I would doubt that we would see our wealth and corresponding opportunities as a burden. However, when we consider the responsibility that attends our opportunities and resources, we then will begin to understand the burden of these “things” we possess.
How very easy it is to become distracted by these privileges we possess. Our lives are attended by the necessity to make many choices and the responsibility to arrange our priorities in a way that will be honoring to our Savior and consistent with our calling as his children.
I often think of our Savior’s words in this context, “unto whom much is given, much is required”. The African brother I spoke of earlier was proud of his American brothers, I trust we will always be faithful to the trust that Christ has given to us.
