“To whom much is given, much is expected” teaches that blessings, talents, and resources come with a responsibility to use them wisely and for the benefit of others.
This phrase comes from the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus emphasizes accountability for what has been entrusted to a person. The verse states: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked” (Luke 12:48).
In context, Jesus was teaching about being ready for His return and illustrated this through the parable of the faithful and wise manager, in Luke 12:42-48., who responsibly manages resources and is rewarded, versus the negligent servant, who misuses what was entrusted and faces consequences.
The principle highlights proportional responsibility: the more blessings, knowledge, influence, or opportunities a person receives, the greater the expectation to use them faithfully. This includes not only material wealth but also time, talents, spiritual understanding, health, and influence. Those who are faithful with small responsibilities are entrusted with greater ones, while neglect or misuse leads to loss or judgment.
Individuals are called to manage their gifts and resources wisely, unselfishly, and for the good of others.
God measures faithfulness based on how one uses what has been given, not merely on intentions or desires.
The teaching emphasizes that blessings are not for selfish enjoyment; they are meant to benefit others and glorify God.
This principle is echoed in popular culture, such as the phrase “With great power comes great responsibility”, reflecting the universal idea that privilege entails duty.
In essence, the more one is blessed, the greater the moral and spiritual responsibility. This teaching encourages faithful stewardship, ethical use of resources, and readiness to serve others, reminding believers that God will hold them accountable for how they use their gifts and opportunities. In Surah Thakathur verse 8, Allah says: “Then, on that Day, you will definitely be questioned about ˹your worldly˺ pleasures.” (Quran 102:8)
The statement “the more one is blessed, the greater the moral and spiritual responsibility” reflects the idea that those who receive greater blessings are expected to take on greater responsibilities.
Blessings are often seen as a sign of God’s favor, which encourages individuals to live out their faith and contribute positively to their communities.
Biblical teachings emphasize that believers have both spiritual and moral responsibilities, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 15, where believers are called to stand firm in their faith and work for the Lord.
The Quran emphasizes the importance of spiritual and moral responsibilities for believers, guiding them to live a righteous and ethical life. Key teachings include: Believing in the oneness of God, which fosters a sense of purpose and direction in life. God-consciousness or piety, involving awareness of Allah’s presence and obedience to His commands. Regular remembrance of Allah, a powerful means of spiritual development. Treating others with equity and without bias, as emphasized in Quranic verse 4:135. Encouraging believers to show compassion and mercy to all living beings. Being truthful in words and actions, as emphasized in Quranic verse 9:119.
These principles guide believers in their daily lives, promoting spiritual growth, moral integrity, and a harmonious relationship with Allah and society.
The concept of responsibility is rooted in the idea of stewardship, where individuals are expected to use their blessings wisely and serve others.
The concept of stewardship is deeply rooted in the idea of responsibility, as it emphasizes the moral obligation to manage natural resources responsibly and sustainably.
Stewardship ethics, a key aspect of stewardship, involves recognizing the intrinsic value of the natural world and the responsibility to protect it for future generations. This includes principles such as sustainability, intergenerational justice, and the precautionary principle, which guide decision-making processes in the management of natural resources. Stewardship ethics encourages a more nuanced and sustainable approach to human-environment interactions, reflecting the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.
Blessings can also lead to a deeper understanding of one’s purpose and the need to fulfill one’s role in the world, as seen in various biblical passages that discuss the importance of faith and service.
Being blessed encompasses not just material wealth but also a moral and spiritual obligation to live out one’s faith and contribute positively to society.
Living out one’s faith involves gratitude, sharing, and recognizing God’s presence in daily life, which fosters deeper spiritual growth and community engagement.
Material blessings are often accompanied by a moral obligation to use them responsibly, contributing to the well-being of others and the environment.
In the Bible, blessings are seen as a reflection of God’s grace and favor, which can be expressed through charitable actions and a commitment to living justly.
True prosperity is not defined solely by material wealth but by a relationship with God and a commitment to living a life that honors Him.
In essence, true blessing involves a holistic approach that prioritizes spiritual, moral, and social responsibilities.
Our birthday boy, Baba Oba Oladele Fajemirokun has lived a life that reflects these spiritual and religious perspectives. All in the belief that he must give back to society from what he has been given.
Del Faj has since established a foundation: Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation (OFF) which has been very active, changing the lives of people, both old and young: Engaging in medical and economic outreach and as a benefactor to orphanages.
His employees are not left out as beneficiaries of his large heartedness. Like Ebenezer Obey sang about his late father when he said, “he used his wealth to serve God and man”. The same could be said of the son.
Once a board room oracle, and an ‘Angel Investor’, Dele has retired to his Ikoyi citadel from where he spends his time praising and thanking God for His benevolence and mercies. He ought to; he has many reasons to thank Almighty God for the preservation of his life. God has tested him with his health which he overcame, his wife, loss of brothers and sisters and beloved friends. However, we might ask: Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? Surah Ar Rahman, Quran 55
What did he do to deserve all these from Baba God, he asks himself? Question he has no answer to.
He is not the only son of the great Henry Fajemirokun, the Baba Olowo of the 70s; neither is he the only person in his set at Loyola College, Ibadan, where he was rusticated, but for the intervention of the Bishop of Ibadan. Neither was he the only HSC student of Gboluji Grammar School, where the Principal had written him off as a no-good rascal and bad influence on his peers.
Or, shall we reference his ‘Great Ife’ days where he was not even the brightest boy in his class, but a rabble rouser who had to repeat his class due to rascality and academic unseriousness; leader of all insurrections of his time, perpetually ‘under the influence’ and dangerous bike rider. He was much loved by my late father who gave him the sobriquet ‘ Dele Times, Dele Trouble’.
But at Ife, he honed his rascality to a dangerous notch. Ask Oluwadiya who narrowly escaped the censure of a lecturer who felt insulted mistaking Bukki for Dele. Only for Bukki to encounter Dele again at the NYSC camp in Jos: Agbako!!
Do we recount his escapades in Jos during his one-year NYSC where he caused so much trouble that his service was extended for another year; though he managed to wangle his discharge certificate as a result of his underground system after which he surfaced in Kano to engage in various money spinning schemes to the utter consternation of his father who said he had a death-wish. Shortly after which the old man would die and pivot Del Faj to the head of the organization and the huge problems he left behind. But undaunted and unworried, Dele laced his boots and faced the challenge. God was on his side. He therefore has every reason to be grateful to God. That he is alive is enough cause for joy and thanksgiving. Where are the many co-travelers today?
Where is Onome Ibru, who died in an accident on the same road we travelled with careless abandon? Where is Bobo Doherty, who checked out during a bout of enjoyment during the coronation party of late Oni Sijuade? Nor, do we ask about Major Abbey Doherty, who survived the Jos episodes but later died a few years ago? What of unbreakable Akin Fashakin who met his waterloo at the sunrise of Dele’s life? Or Popo Akinyanju, our very own Popo who is in heaven, missing all the fun below? Thanking God is not enough, His name should be glorified.
Right in the family, there are brothers and sisters who are not around to witness your 76th year of living, which your late father never achieved. Tunde, Olu, Taiye, Funsho, Tokunbo and of course, Olu James, all sailing in the heaven. Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?
Let me not forget to add some others who have departed; Latunde Bello and only last Wednesday an ex-Loyolan, Group Captain Musi Elegbede, who also joined his ancestors. Inna lillahi wa ina ilehi rajiun.
Today, we his friends and compatriots rejoice with him. May God bless his new age and sanctify him with good health. May his days be long. Amen
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar: “Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good, and in the Hereafter that which is good, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire”.
Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend
