Other Obligations!

We all have obligations. Though some try to shirk them or push them on to others, we must recognize the obligations we individually must accept. It is also true that some become obligated to the wrong things. They get sucked in and are somehow made to feel THEY OWE it to another (or to some thing) to please them. As we look at our own life do we feel a sense of obligation to the right things? To what (whom) do we feel we OWE for the life we have?

As Paul made a distinction between living according to the Spirit and living according to the flesh, he exhorted…
“So then brothers, WE ARE DEBTORS, NOT TO THE FLESH, to live according to the flesh.” ( Romans 8:12 ESV)

Paul implied we all have an obligation to fulfill. The Greek word he used here is “opheiletai” (from opheiletes) and is translated in our English versions as either a debt (being a debtor) or obligation. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testaments Words points to the primary use of this word as being with regard to money. However, it is also used metaphorically for a person who is under an obligation to do something. Paul even used this word to describe the obligation he felt for preaching the gospel. ( Romans 1:14) Having receive that message of salvation himself, he felt he OWED it to God and to others to share it.

We are DEBTORS and have an obligation, but note that Paul stated it is not to be to “the flesh”! Should we not feel the greatest sense of INDEBTEDNESS to what (whom) has brought the greatest benefit to our life? It is the flesh which has brought trouble into our lives. On the other hand it is the Spirit of God that has brought transformation and the power to sustain life now and for eternity.

Perhaps the question we most need to ask ourselves is: What has us? Think about it. Does the flesh have us under its thumb or does God’s Spirit have us? To what do we feel most obligated to please?

Paul went on to point out…
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, BUT IF BY THE SPIRIT YOU PUT TO DEATH THE DEEDS OF THE BODY, YOU WILL LIVE.” ( Romans 8:13 ESV)

With the privilege of “sonship” ( Romans 8:14-17) comes responsibility. We OWE it to the One Who adopted us to live after His likeness in accordance with His Will. Since God, through the Son, has done for us what the Law could not do ( Romans 8:3-4) -- freeing us from sin and death -- we should feel a great sense of INDEBTEDNESS to Him.

There are some things we should not do simply because we have “other obligations”; those associated with the Spirit of God. May we daily focus on walking according to the Spirit ( Romans 8:4) while we continually set our minds on the things of the Spirit ( Romans 8:5) so that we may please the Father and receive the life He desires to provide. It is to Him we truly OWE everything!

Have a great day LIVING TO PLEASE GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Responsibility