Responsibility

When I was growing up my first job to take out the trash. As I got a little older I was also allowed to take matches and burn the trash. That required more responsibility because I had to stay there and watch it until the flames died down. Later, as I got bigger, the job of mowing the lawn was added to the list.

I was expected to do my job as needed without being asked. In return I was given an allowance, fifty cents at first, of which I gave a dime for my offering every week. When my hobby changed from comic books to model cars my allowance was raised to two dollars, and my offering was raised to a quarter.

If I forgot to do my job, my Dad only had to say, “Go mow the grass,” once and I was walking out the door to get the mower. That is how I learned responsibility. I didn’t do it for the money or because I might be punished if I disobeyed. Those consequences never came up because it never occurred to me that I had a choice. I knew what was expected and I did it.

Jesus began his ministry with the direct command, “Follow me,” (Matthew 4:19) and ended his ministry with another command, “Go.” (Matthew 28:18-20) Everything in between was related to either the first command or the last. The last command is called The Great Commission.

The wording of the Great Commission in Acts tells us not only to go but where to go. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV

The Great Commission is neither optional nor transferrable. In other words, we all need to do our part. This is what is expected of all of us. We cannot have someone do it for us.

When we talk about different jobs in the kingdom I most often hear about jobs like teaching, and prayer support. When Jesus was describing the parts available for us all to do he did not list those things that come to many of our minds. Jesus talked about places, parts of the earth, where we are to go.

We may not all be able to go everywhere but we can all go somewhere. Some of us can go across the street with the love of God. Some of us can go around the world. The Great Commission is our responsibility for all of us to keep. What is your part?

Robin Cowin