 |
|
| Volume 25 Number 8 August 2023 |
Page 11 |
|
|
| Volume 25 Number 8 August 2023 |
Page 11 |
Charles E. Burch
Responsibility: Putting First Things First
There are a number of Scriptures that reveal the responsibilities which God has placed upon His children. When Jesus delivered the sermon on the mount, He said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). The responsibility here is to “seek first the kingdom of God.”The only way to fulfil this command is for one to put God and His church at the top of his or her priority list. If the Lord requires us to put Him first, then He doesn’t mean second, third or fourth! It is so easy to put Him first – after we have done the things we want to do. [Let’s not do that! ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor.] It takes dedication, love, and conviction to put Jesus first in every thought, action and deed (Colossians 3:17).
Responsibility: Share the Christian Faith
Our Lord also said, “…Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19). Many will never be able to go to another nation, but we can talk to someone stateside about Christ and His church. We can live the Christian life before the world and those with whom we come in contact, and perhaps others may desire the Christian life we enjoy.
Responsibility: Study God’s Word
The apostle Paul penned, “Be diligent [“Study” KJV] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV). This verse presents two reasons for studying God’s Word. The first reason is to seek God’s approval. Secondly, we are called upon to rightly divide the Word of truth. Paul also stated that faith comes through study. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Therefore, we have another reason for studying God’s Word; we need to develop the Christian faith.
Responsibility: Daily Christian Living
Christ gave an important responsibility to all Christians when He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Christ clearly exhorted His disciples (Christians) to live the life they profess before the world at all times.
Summary
We cannot willfully neglect any responsibility that God has given us and still please Him. Through discipline and exercise, we must learn to put God and His kingdom first in everything we do. Through the study of God’s Word, we can create an appetite to learn and enjoy studying. Then, by knowing His Word, we will develop a desire to share Christianity with others.
Paul wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As we contemplate our service to our Lord throughout the year, let us embrace the responsibility of truly living for Him – in every way, all day, every day!
