Matthew 13:12
“For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
Jesus was not talking about material things in this verse but rather spiritual matters. He was talking about those that seek the kingdom of heaven. And this reference is confirmed in the previous verse (v. 11) where He said, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given” (Matthew 13:11).
The person who has made practical use of the truth that he has heard will be given more truth.
He who is spiritually receptive will get much better spiritually from any presentation of truth than the strongest mind who is lacking in spiritual openness and interest. Thus, the amazing gifts of God are only for the person who enthusiastically seeks and applies the truth in his life.
But he who doesn’t desire to know the truth, “even what he has” will he lose (Luke 8:18). He that ignores to advance in his spiritual understanding with what little ability he may have, will lose even that little ability.
God’s high standard for His children
Jesus said, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). The Lord has great plans for His people. And He will bestow the most in the eternal life on those who will most reflect His image in their lives in this world. But keep in mind that the Lord selects His agents not because they are perfect (Philippians 3:12) but because, they may gain perfection through His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). Thus, He will accept only those who have aimed high. Paul exhorts the believers saying, “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude” (Philippians 3:15).
The Lord puts every person under responsibility to do his best. Moral perfection is asked of all. Never should we lower the standard of morality in order to allow for sin. We need to understand that imperfection of character is sin. Everyone who accepts Christ as a personal Savior will gain victory over sin. And those who would be workers together with God must be earnest to perfect their bodies and minds by His grace. This is the education that will endure unto eternal life (Psalm 19:7).
The ultimate goal is service
The Lord requires of every Christian growth in every way. Christ has paid us our wages of sin, even by His own blood to help us in His service. He came to our world to give us an example of how we should be like, and what spirit we should bring into His work. He desires us to study how we can best promote His work and glorify His name in the world (Isaiah 25:1). Therefore, we need to live to honor the Father who “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
