Skip to main content

Responsability

             Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

 

            Continuing my thoughts on the idea of imitating Christ. After priorities, the next word that has come to mind is responsibility, which someone defined as “response–ability.”

            The first half of 2023 is past; part of me would like to scream in anxiety. There’s so much I didn’t get done. There’s so much still to do! How could I get six months through the year and be so far behind? I’m not really behind, but there’s that part of me.

            What would happen if I allowed that part of me free rein? Ultimately, it would choke out any chance of my doing anything. If I spend time and energy having hissy fits about all I haven’t done, I don’t have that time and energy to put into getting things done. If my focus is on that, my ability to respond decreases.

            Today’s passage tells us to throw off everything that hinders us. Everything. Even good things. Only when we simplify down to a workable level can we be response-able. We can only run the race if we aren’t doing everything but running the race. This involves a little grace and, once again, priorities.

        This is one of the examples Jesus provided. Granted, we aren’t shown a second-by-second record of everything He did, but sometimes He led His disciples out of an area because people were asking for responses that didn’t fit His priorities. He refused to get involved in family squabbles, and there is no indication that He was involved in many committees. He made choices about His responses and in doing so, demonstrated responsibility.

            As I think about my own life, I don’t think I’m good at this. I want to do it all. Sometimes, I think I have to do it all. And that results in my doing less because I’m too scattered. This needs more thought on my part. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 1, 2023 at 7:39 AM

    This sounds like me over the years. And I am still not ‘caught up’.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:10)   “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)           Joshua grinned when he saw Rex standing by the door, studying something on the ground. "Hey, man! Are we ready to do this thing?"          Rex looked up. "Josh, I can't do it. We're still best buds, but I can't stand your fiancée."           I've met "Rex" many times. I've been Rex. Joshua (Jesus) loves the Church. He's not a fool. He knows the Church is far from perfect, but she is His chosen bride. The Rexes of this world, who think themselves His friend, turn away from her. "You don't need the Church to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ssssssubmmissssssionnn

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ . (Ephesians 5:21)             "Ssssssubmmisssssssionnn." Can't you just hear the serpent hissing this most horrible of words? If you listen to the serpent or the world, submission means groveling, allowing yourself to be abused, denying yourself your own humanity. Nothing could be worse than submission, could it?             Submission has never been a problem for me, as long as things are going the way I want them to. The rest of the time? Well, let's just say that while I don't know how to fight physically, I don't know how to not fight mentally. One of the fights I've been having with myself for years is about submission.             My first breakthrough took place on a trip to a bookstore. As I walked into the store, my thoughts were very clear. 1) I was goi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shark Fins, Triple Dog Dares, Heroes, Villains and Sidekicks

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)            There's a scene in Jaws in which someone sees a shark fin and starts a panic. As   all the swimmers scramble to shore, boats surround the fin, which falls over to reveal two kids. With several guns pointed at them, one of the kids points at the other. The message is clear: it was his idea. In Christmas Story, there's a scene in which one kid "triple dog dares" another to do something stupid. Since it's a triple dog dare, well, what choice does the boy have? There doesn't seem to be any end to the trouble that peer pressure can cause. ...
Post a Comment
Read more