Articles
The Haves and the Have-Nots
On more than one occasion, Jesus says the following: “For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” What did our Lord mean when he used this statement?
Christ says this when he talks with his disciples about how he teaches in parables (Matthew 13:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18). The Lord tells his followers that as they listen to understand, their spiritual knowledge will increase. Jesus also uses this phrase in the parables of the minas (Luke 19:26) and the talents (Matthew 25:29). In both parables, the disobedient servant’s money is taken and given to the most prosperous servant. Here we’ve moved from the wealth of knowledge to the wealth of faith, or belief in action.
In both instances, the have or the have-not status of any individual is all dependent on their relationship with God. If I have not genuine love towards God, I won’t embrace the Bible for what it is or put God’s holy will into action in my life. I can look the part, but that counterfeit faith will be exposed and taken away (see Matthew 7:21-23). But if I have that relationship with Him, I will know God and come to know Him more with each passing day; I will see spiritual fruit from my actions continue to abound with each new act of faith—to God’s praise!
Your choice to listen and follow Christ is the sole determining factor between being a have or a have-not in God’s spiritual economy. Which will you choose?
