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.