OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES.
In this world, we are governed by many laws. Some are written and some are not. Some were created by Man ( cultures and traditions) and some we were born into (Commandments of God). Either way, laws play an important part in our lives. So what laws should we follow? Well…here is where it gets complicated. There are certain laws created and written by man that are approved by God. Likewise, there are laws created and written by man that are not approved by God. So how do we tell the difference? The answer is, through our Conscience and the Gospel. Basically, GOD! Through this, we are able to know and choose what is right from wrong and what is good from bad.
For example let’s look at some of the laws associated with traffic lights. The law is, when the light turns green, you can drive through. When it’s yellow, you slow down. And when the light is red, you have to stop your vehicle. These traffic laws were created by human beigns to make things easier. They prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
And then there’s the law of kindness. When someone is kind to us, we are grateful and we should in turn be kind to them and others. This law was created by God and imbeded in us from the day our souls were created.
Does everyone follow the law? Not quite! This is where responsibility and accountability comes into play.
Galatians 6:5 reads, “For each will have to bear his own load”.
What is a responsibility?
The state or fact of having a duty to make appropriate decisions relating to a situation, someone or something.
What is accountability?
Accountability is the obligation to explain or justify one’s actions.
We all have many responsibilities and sometimes it is difficult to balance them all. We do our best everyday. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong. We forget to do things, make mistakes and say innapropriate things to each other. Either way, being accountable helps us to mature and grow.
1 Corinthians 13:11 reads, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways”.
Responsibilities can be grouped into different categories such as, shared responsibility, self responsibility and selfless responsibility.
EXAMPLES OF EVERYDAY RESPONSIBILITIES.
1. Being responsible for our children is both a selfless and shared responsibility.
2. Being responsible for our actions is a self responsibility.
3. Being responsible for our bodies is a self responsibility.
4. Being responsible for our parents when they become old is both a selfless and shared responsibility.
1 Timothy 5:8 reads, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”.
5. Our friendships are shared responsibilities.
6. Our Jobs are shared responsibilities .
Colosians 3:23 reads, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”.
7. taking care of each other is both a selfless and shared responsibility.
As children of God, when we think of our responsibilities as the church of Christ, we often feel as though we are carrying something very heavy. Excited as we are, we sometimes forget that God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. Yes, when we make mistakes, we are responsible and held accountable for our actions. But God doesn’t pressure anyone to do anything. Instead, he allows us to make our own decisions. Everything we do for God should be done with cheerfulness, willingness and love.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHURCH!
1. Protect God’s love. ( Let the people experience the genuine and true love of God in his house and everywhere).
2. Preach the gospel. It is very important we let everyone know of the good news!
1 corinthians 3:8 reads, “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor”.
3. Teach our children about God. Our children will carry on the love of God therefore we need to actively help our children understand who God is. And by his grace, they too will have a relationship with Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Ephesians 6:4 reads, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”.
Proverbs 22:6 reads, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it”.
4. In all things, seek peace. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons and daughters of God.
Romans 14:1 reads, “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions”.
Romans 14:19 reads, ” So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
5. Grow our faith and belief. Growing our faith in God requires total surrender of oneself, letting go of control and reading the Gospel of Christ. In order to Believe, we must have faith and trust in the Lord.
6. Develope a personal relationship with God through prayer and worship.
7. Follow his laws and commandments. Allow the Gospel to transform our lives.
8. Seek the understanding of the Lord, his humbleness and humility.
9. Speak the truth and stand up to injustice.
10. Take care of each other.
11. Take care of our environment.
Everything that God promises, he fulfills. He never lies, therefore every word he speaks is the truth. When we make a promise to God, it is important that we keep them. We are held accountable for the words we speak to God. No one likes a broken promise! We are to say what we mean and mean what we say.
Isaiah 55:11 reads, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Matthew 12:37 reads, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned”.
So what should we do if we break a promise with God?
1. Do not deny it. Admit your mistakes and faults infront of the Lord. Excuses don’t work!
2. Ask for forgiveness and help.
3. Forgive yourself.
4. Do your best to stay away from temptation.
5. Stay focused on positivity and moving forward.
In conclusion, the responsibilities given to us by God are very important and they enable us to live good and happy lives. We all make mistakes but with the help of God, we shall succeed. Glory be to God!
Our father in heaven, we thank you for your love and all that you do for us. We thank you for your guidance and teachings. Father God, we pray that you continue to help us to fulfil our responsibilities and to resist the temptations of the world. Please help us to keep our eyes focused on you. We glorify and exalt your name. In the Mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
You are all Blessed.
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