"...to whom much is given, much is required..." Luke 12:48.
I read this verse this week, and it really stayed upon my heart. And after a situation that happened this past week, I now realize why. CHAT, being the generous and loving organization that it is, sacrifices many resources and time for children in Church Hill. They provide so much for the children that they serve. And yes, much is required, but often, it seems to me that the requirements come from the children.
Because CHAT gives so much to these kids, many of them have gained a mentality that CHAT "owes" them something. They have come to expect many of the resources the CHAT offers. Many times, they don't realize how much of a privilege CHAT is. CHAT takes the kids on fieldtrips, provides them with places to stay when they need it, provides some kids jobs, supports them in many of their endeavors, and has even started a school just to see them excel. Yes, they've done these things because God has called them to, but sometimes I don't think the kids understand that God did not have to call CHAT into existence. He did not have to call Percy and Angie into ministry in this community, just as He did not have to send His son to die for us. But He did, because He loves us just that much. And CHAT serves these kids because they, and the One who has called them to serve, loves them just that much. God calls us to be grateful for that love: "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). But many times as humans, we expect that love and forget about God's grace towards us and how it warrants immense praise. So just like humans, some of these kids have grown to expect CHAT's love and have forgotten about appreciation and gratitude. Consequently, when CHAT requires more from them as people, and most importantly Christians, attitudes and disrespect emerge. To some of the kids, the verse in Luke has little merit. They expect CHAT to give to them, but not to require much from them. But as I sat and thought about it, I realized how much of a disservice we, as Christians, would be doing them if we simply gave to them and required little in return. God requires praise in return for His blessings, and we should require more from these children. If we expect little from them, then they will give little. But if we expect great things from them, the end result is praiseworthy. It is important to realize that God owes us nothing...we owe Him everything. God's grace is a privilege, not a right. Similarly, it is important for the kids to learn that CHAT's service to them is a form of God's grace and is worthy to be praised and thanked.
As CHAT continues to raise leaders of the community and God's Word, we should continue to require much more than what children give. It is our job to push them to be more than what they have been exposed to. It is our job to encourage them to excel in all areas of life. Lack of appreciation and gratitude towards people, and most importantly God, will not help them accomplish goals. As we raise our expectations for them, God's leaders will emerge.
Having said that, I thank God for CHAT and for the opportunity to be apart of this beautiful ministry. God has truly blessed me by placing me in this community, and I thank him everyday for the grace and love that He continues to show me, the kids, Church Hill, and CHAT everyday. In all things, I give Him the praise.
