Only your wives, your little ones, and your livestock (I know that you have much livestock) shall remain in the cities that I have given you… (Deuteronomy 3:19 ESV)
Responsibility
I have wasted many of the gifts I have received. It took me a long time to realize and admit that with great gifts comes great responsibility.
I have wasted friendships, letting them slip into inactivity. I have wasted financial blessings, using money for things that rust away. I have wasted time, wandering into purposelessness and laziness. I have wasted good health, without regard for prevention and protective habits. I have wasted energy, living wildly from wake-up to bedtime.
The Israelites who decided to stay on the East side of the Jordan River were given the blessing of land, homes, and security, just like those who inherited the West side of the Jordan River. But as they received their gift early, they perhaps were able to understand the responsibility that comes with receiving a gift.
They had to arrange safety for their children and wives. They had to ensure food for their (much) livestock. They had to work hard for what they had already received.
It is not that far from the lives of Christians, today. We have received the GIFT of salvation, but with that gift comes great responsibility.
Responsibility to God, of obedience. Responsibility to other Christians, of love. Responsibility to creation, of stewardship. Responsibility to others, of compassionate gospelling.
Not to receive blessings… but because we already have been blessed.