February 9 Personal Responsibility Galatians 6:1-5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “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. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one, examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:1-5)
My parents taught me to be personally responsible for my own actions and my own needs. Daddy taught me to be prepared! He said to be prepared to take care of yourself. A part of this preparation was to carry a pocketknife, comb, pen, a pocket handkerchief, watch, and a band-aid, in my wallet. He declared that there is only one that I should be dependent upon, and that is Almighty God! My dependence on God’s Love and His Precious Promises, promotes my Biblical responsibility to be independent and to stand strong, in the power of His Love. Amazingly, I am witnessing a shift in actions and attitudes of personal responsibility, to a dependent attitude that expresses that my well-being is the responsibility of someone else. Wow! “It’s not my fault!’ “We need equity in our finances!” “I shouldn’t have to work to get what I want!” “Minimum wage, minimum work!” “I am entitled to it!” “It’s not fair, he has so much, and I have so little!” “He was born into privilege, and I wasn’t!” “The government should give us a livable wage!” I am amazed at the idea that some folks have when it comes to taking responsibility for their own actions! I have heard individuals speak these statements, and they spoke these words with passion and conviction! Before anyone climbs on the entitlement bandwagon, I am not talking about those who are unable to take care of themselves, I am talking about able-bodied individuals that can take care of themselves, yet feel that someone, usually the government or you, should insure their livelihood. Folks, as Christians, we are to encourage and assist folks along the pathway of life, all the while, sharing and teaching God’s word and His desire for us to be strong and independent in our earthly lives. The Apostle Paul worked along the Mission Journeys as a Tentmaker! It is our duty to work for Jesus and it is our duty to serve Him in the Beauty of HIS Holiness! There is NO GETTING AROUND THE CALL TO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND DUTY!!! Galatians 6:5 says, “For each one shall bear his own load.” Believers, BE RESPONSIBLE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!