Being Responsible

"Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do" Eph.5:15 (JBP).

In the light of the wonderful salvation we now have, God's Word challenges us to be responsible in our new-found life.

Responsibility to God

Acts 4:19-20

Our first and foremost responsibility is to the Lord Himself (see 1 Cor.7:24; Rom.14:12; 3:19).

As His creation (Heb.4:13; 5:10).

As His redeemed (Col.1:12-14; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Rom.12:1-2).

As His children(1 Pet.1:14-17; Eph.5:1; 1Jn.3:1-3).

As His temple ( 1 Cor.6:18-20)

As His representatives (2 Cor.5:19-20; 1 John 4:17; 1 Peter 4:11)

To Authorities

1 Peter 2:13-15

We are responsible in four ways:

Submit (Romans 13:1-7)

Pray (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Do what is right (Titus 3:1-2)

Respect and honour (1 Peter 2:16-17; Ex.22:28)

The only time when we are allowed to disobey authorities in government is when it contravenes the rulership of God in our lives ( Acts 5:29).

To Employers

The same principles laid down in the Bible for the behaviour of a slave towards his master applies in the work situation today.

Ephesians 6:5-7

The qualities of our new life in Christ are to be outlived in our work situation. We are to be:

Trustworthy ( Neh.13:13; 1 Cor 4:1-2; 1 Tim.1:12; Heb.3:5; Dan.6:4; Prov.11:13; 25:13; 2 Tim.2:2)

Hardworking ( 2 Thess.3:7-15; Acts 20:34-35; Prov.6:6; 12:11; 13:11; 10:4; 14:4)

Honest ( Titus 2 9-10; Prov.11:3; Lev.19:35-36; Prov.11:1)

Obedient, respectful and sincere (Eph.6:5-6; 1Tim.6:1-2)}

Motivated to please (Titus 2:9)}

Content with our wages (Luke 3:14)

To Employees

Ephesians 6:9

An employer also has a Master - the Lord Jesus - and he is to treat his employee in the same way the Lord has treated him.

Do not threaten (Eph.6:9)

Provide them with what is right and fair (Colossians 4:1)

Pay them promptly and consistently (James 5:4; Deut.24:25; Lev.19:13; Jer.22:13; Mal.3:5)

The Body of Christ

Of leaders (1 Peter 5 2-3; Eph.4:11-13)

To leaders (Heb.13:17; 1 Thess.5:12-13)

To one another ( Rom.15:1-2; 14:13-15; 13:8-9; Gal.6:2)

To travelling ministries ( 3 Jn.5-8; 1 Cor.9:9-11)