Responsibility

Responsibility – A “RESPONSE” for God and His Kingdom

A devotional examining the responsibility of a Christian to represent God and His Kingdom to the world.

SCRIPTURE:   

So, the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. Genesis 39:22-23

THOUGHT:   

As Autumn approaches, I am reminded that we, as a church, will be addressing the important concept of “Stewardship.”  Now neither congregants nor clergy gleefully look forward to this vital part of our church calendar. No one says “Yeah, I can’t wait to ask people to give of their money and service” or “I am really looking forward to giving even more of my time on weekends.”   I have never heard those words spoken. So, when the subject was broached and the call went out for persons to help, there was no clamoring to be first to volunteer or jockeying for the responsibilities that need to be addressed. As much as we try to avoid the task, Stewardship is such an important part of helping the church doors to stay open and minister to those in need. That is the real world. It is the RESPONSIBILITY of the congregants of any church, to take on the positions needed to be able to survive in the real world.

The scripture above refers to the story of Joseph. As I am sure you are familiar with his story, you will remember that it was not an easy journey. It certainly was not one that he would have chosen for himself. The young boy, beaming with pride, displaying his colorful coat, a gift from his beloved father, did not foresee the many responsibilities that would be thrust upon his shoulders. I feel confident in proclaiming that he would have preferred a life quite different from the one that would be fraught with burdens and unfair duties. In the scripture though, it says that Joseph was put in charge, even in PRISON! Wow! It must have been difficult enough, to be thrown into prison, let alone for something he did not do. Then, he is put in a position of leadership, even during his imprisonment. Now, that is a leader who takes on responsibility, right? Joseph knew, no matter what situation he found himself in, he took control as a proactive leader. He did his absolute best in the palace, then as a dream interpreter in prison, and when released, in the palace again as the king’s right-hand man. So, if Joseph can take on those kinds of responsibilities amid a less than optimal situation, why can’t, or why don’t, we?

Even though Stewardship is not our favorite Bible story or the subject we would voluntarily “bring up” in casual conversations, we do know it is a responsibility that God wants us to delve into. In fact, He wants us to do it to the best of our ability. Even though it may be uncomfortable, it is still our responsibility as members of the church. God addresses the importance of leadership in many parts of the Bible. The OT itself is replete with references to leaders such as Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, etc. None of them were even close to perfect and a couple of them fought against being leaders. Yet, when God spoke, they followed His Commands to the best of their abilities.

We, as Gods’ people are also “called” to be leaders in our church. We may have distinct roles for sure, yet whatever role we take on is vital to the “everyday” running of the church. We all have gifts and talents that translate into “Response – ABILITIES” for our church during Stewardship, and in fact, throughout the remainder of the year as well. Whatever your gift is, it can be used to be an ability, a response-ability, for the church. Even the most seemingly inconsequential ability can be a “response” to the calling of God.

In the Great Commission, it says:

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  –Matthew 28:19-20–

It does not say, “It’s not your responsibility.”  It does not say “Someone else will do it.”  It does not say “Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with your particular gifts and talents.”  It only says GO. Are we ready to take on that responsibility? Are we ready to GO? Are we ready to be responsive and demonstrate our God-given abilities?

PRAYER:

Lord, help me to recognize my gift(s) and help me to be proactive and take responsibility to enact those abilities to further Your Kingdom. Please help me to have courage and steadfastness in my endeavors to follow Your Will. Creator, Father, You know me because You made me. Help me to assist others in whatever way You know is best. AMEN.