It's About Me!

“It’s About Me!” Perhaps that title appears extremely selfish and is seen to well describe the focus of many people in our “Me! Me! Me!” society today. It is true we each have personal needs that must be met. We also all have personal stuff for which we must take responsibility. There are things in our life that we should not expect others to do for us. “Me” must be mindful of those things and step forward to the task. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY is one of those things good to have begun learning early in life. However, our PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY does not stop with ourselves. Since we have been the recipients of many good things the expectation is for us to be willing to also be a giver in accordance with our ability ( 2 Corinthians 8:12) to give. What is “Me” willing to do? How does “Me” come to grips with PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY when face to face with the help others need?

Someone has said, “Responsibility walks hand in hand with capacity and power.” [source: “sentence sermons”] In other words, we are not responsible for doing what we either do not have the ability or the resources to fulfill. That sounds fair enough. However, how do we respond when we do have the ability and resources to assist others?

Solomon stated…
“(27) Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, WHEN IT IS IN YOUR POWER TO DO IT. (28) Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it’ -- WHEN YOU HAVE IT WITH YOU.” ( Proverbs 3:27-28) [English Standard Version, © 2001, Wheaton: Good News Publishers]

The New Living Translation reads…
“(27) Do not withhold good from those who deserve it WHEN IT’S IN YOUR POWER TO HELP THEM. (28) If you CAN HELP your neighbor now, DON’T SAY, ‘Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.’” ( Proverbs 3:27-28) [NLT, © 1997, Weaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

The “Message” translation reads…
“NEVER WALK AWAY FROM SOMEONE WHO DESERVES HELP; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Don’t tell your neighbor, ‘Maybe some other time,’ or, ‘Try me tomorrow,’ WHEN THE MONEY’S RIGHT THERE IN YOUR POCKET.” ( Proverbs 3:27-28) [Peterson, E.H. © 2003, “The Message”: The Bible in contemporary language. Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress]

Is it clear what Solomon noted regarding PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY? Certainly there is a difference between meeting needs and merely enabling others to shirk their own responsibility. (i.e. 2 Thessalonians 3:10) Whether it be financial help, a little of our time, a helping hand, or whatever the need might be that we have been equipped to help, let us do so willingly and cheerfully. God has not withheld good from us. May His gracious spirit be evident in our service to others.

Have a great day ALLOWING GOD TO LET YOU BE HIS HAND TO OTHERS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Responsibility