Some of us are born to sing; others are born to shop. Among us we have a variety of great abilities. Some of us are gifted mathematicians, teachers, or motivators. Others of us can fix computers, or program them. Still others can sew, or say so. Some of us are great orators, or writers. Some of us are great athletes. Others are very creative. Some of us are great expositors; others great listeners. You and I have a variety of great abilities, but do you know what our greatest ability is…? Responsibility. The sum total of our lives is how we handle responsibility. Responsibility is your ability to respond to life. It’s reflected in that bios-life that Pastor preached about – it’s what makes us human – and it’s a gift from God – to be able to live the Zoe-life in the midst of our humanity.
Much of our life has not been in our control. We did not choose our parents or when or where would be born. We did not choose the unique gifts and talents that we proudly bask in – Responsibility is how we handle everything else; how we respond to what life throws our way, and impacts us more than any other thing. It may surprise you to know that although very gifted, God cares more about our character than our achievements while we’re here on Earth. God put us on the Earth for primarily two reasons: To know Him personal, and to develop character. Our lives today are preparation for what’s to come, and how we respond ought to be indicative of a follower of Christ, who know that he is the one who give meaning to life. We ought to live responsibly know that we are a steward of the life we have been given.
Responsible people make the most of the life they have been give. Accordingly, we are admonished in Ephesians 5:11-17 with these words from The Message Bible: “Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose those things to the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So, watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times. Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” From this day forward, may we be inclined to live our lives on purpose with purpose.
Submitted by Deaconess Irene Gardon