day no. 16,183: return according to the benefit done to us

2 Chronicles 32:25

But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem.

Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him. What was the benefit done to him? God saved him from death's door. He was dying and had been told to get his house in order. God healed him and gave him more time. How did Hezekiah repay God? He didn't.

Now, in one sense, he could not have. After all, what can a man give for his life? What could you give to God that He doesn't already possess? That said, there is an orientation of energy and prioritization of time that appropriately corresponds to what is called gratitude. There is a return that matches the investment. There is a behavior that accords to the beneficence. There are good works that complement grace.

God gave Hezekiah more time and Hezekiah gave God ingratitude. He did not turn the benefit he was given into a benefit for others. He did not say grace over the grace he received. He pleaded for it on the front end and squandered it on the back end. 

Matthew 25:26-29

But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

Everything we have is on loan. We are tenants, not landlords. We are renters, not owners. We will have to turn in everything we've had access to and square our accounts with Him whom we have to do.

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things arenaked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Let us make a good return according to the good benefit that has been done to us.