“Responsibility, n. A detachable burden easily shifted to the shoulders of God, Fate, Fortune, Luck or one’s neighbor. In the days of astrology it was customary to unload it upon a star.” (Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary)
If we want to see the face of God, we are responsible to live a disciplined life. Citizenship in the kingdom of heaven is a privilege with an accompanying duty to sanctify ourselves. Holiness in attitude, vocabulary and behavior is expected of those who profess faith in Christ. High-sounding creeds are hollow if not matched by honesty, compassion for the oppressed, faithfulness to marriage vows, contentment, and self-controlled appetites.
If we want to celebrate God’s presence, we are responsible to live reverently before Him. To enjoy the pleasure of Christ’s company, we must submit to His sovereignty in every dimension of our life. “Fullness of joy” is contingent on our walking “the path of life” He shows us (Psalm 16:11).
If we want to enjoy God’s peace, we are responsible to live in close fellowship with Him. Prayer-walking is a good practice, provided it is a lifestyle and not just an occasional ritual. Pras Michel made this point well—“You cannot pray for an A on a test and study for a B. You cannot pray for a faithful relationship and still live an unfaithful life. You cannot pray for something and act less. Don’t question my God and his abilities when your actions don’t match your prayers.”
“God helps those who help themselves” is not found in the Bible, but there is an element of truth in it. If we want to experience the presence, power, and peace of God, we are responsible to make a conscious effort to meet the conditions He specifies in His Word.
God has given much to us, so He asks a lot of us. One day He will require us to account for how we have handled challenges He sent our way. Amazingly, whatever God requires of us, He enables (Philippians 4:13). Responsibilities will not overwhelm us, if we count on God to overshadow us with response ability to live a faithful life.
“You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)
Johnny R. Almond
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
[This devotion based on Day 70 of Gentle Whispers]
Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia
Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/
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