Today we get to meditate on our responsibility as part of the church. This aspect is normally not our favorite part of a relationship, huh? Responsibility. Feels like a weight sometimes. But in reality, responsibility is a privilege and a blessed calling.
Verse 5 of Romans 12 says: “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”
Yes, we are part of one body the body of Christ, but individually we are members (or part) of one another. We individually affect (negatively or positively) every other member of the body. Because we are connected! Makes sense, right? If we are strong and praying and keeping our eyes on Jesus we bless and encourage all the other members, if we sin we also affect them by being a bad example and discouraging them.
The most serious thing is that this responsibility is not an option. We don’t get to raise our hand one day and say, “pick me! Give me some responsibility!” We already have it! If we are truly members of Christ and are in Him, we are responsible. What a privilege! To be not only saved by God, but given a calling, an assignment for His glory. By serving, giving, teaching, encouraging and loving, we get to praise Jesus for how precious He is to us as an act of gratitude, and show others how glorious living for Him really is. We are given the privilege of the responsibility of belonging,
He as given us different roles in the body”…for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Eph 4:12) We get to work along side Him! How beautiful is that?
Our Lord is calling us to embrace the responsibility we already have for what we do, how we act, and what we say. “‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” (Eph 4:25) Because we are not disconnected entities, we are responsible for how we influence others.
And beyond that, we must not only guard (take care of, watch carefully) our own hearts and lives, but help others in their walk with Jesus. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” (Gal 6:1)
Three super important questions I encourage you to answer truthfully:
1) Do I really belong to the body of Christ?
2) How well am I embracing my responsibility as a member of the local church?
3) Having embraced my responsibility, what am I doing right now to bless and serve others?
Dear friend, may the Holy Spirit teach us all how to walk in a responsible way by His power in us, giving always glory to Him.
Marian S.
0 Comments