Many people live and die in terrible circumstances. I heard about a boy who never knew his father and whose mother considered him a nuisance. He survived by stealing and going through the garbage behind a food store. He died in his early teens from stab wounds, and nobody cared. His eternal destiny is in the hands of God, who requires little from those to whom little has been given (Lk. 12:48).

I sometimes find great comfort in our Lord's teaching that our degree of accountability before Him is in direct proportion to our degree of knowledge and opportunity. But this truth also disturbs me. I grew up with loving Christian parents in a caring atmosphere with seven brothers. The girl I married has been a loving wife for more than 55 years. My son, daughter-in-law, daughter, and grandsons treat me with love and respect. During almost 50 years of ministry in churches and at RBC Ministries, I have been treated well. I have so much to give thanks for--which also makes me more responsible to God. This is an awesome, almost frightening thought!

No matter what our degree of knowledge and opportunity, we can thank God for His goodness. Then we must use what He has given us in faithful service to Him.  — Herbert Vander Lugt