Responsibility

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23)

 As a child, around the age of 6, I had responsibilities around the house.  We lived in downtown Toronto, on Sackville Street, in a rented home, which no longer exists.  One of my ‘jobs’ was to carry a coal scuttle three times a day for heating and cooking (our furnace was coal-fired and our stove was coal burning).  That was hard work for a 6 year-old but, at the time, I didn’t realize the benefits accrued.  Then, as grew older, my responsibilities increased.  One of the most difficult for me was carrying out the garbage.  Now, before you jump to judgment, remember, this was before the days of plastic or wax-coated bags; all our garbage was carried out to the trash bin in paper bags — soggy-bottomed paper bags.  Inevitably every bag I carried out ripped at the bottom, until I figured out that holding them at the bottom would often help – not always, mind you.  Again, there were benefits which I received from completing these and other tasks.

Responsibility has not always been high most in my relationship ethics, as others can attest, but it was in my professional ethics; I guess I inherited that.  However, when I became a believer in the most High Elohim, my understanding of responsibility changed, dramatically.  With the support and guidance of Ruach HaKadosh, the Holy Spirit of the Living God, I found my perspective on responsibility, especially in relationships, changing.  That is why I have prefaced this week’s devotion with Colossians 3:23.  This verse was given to me by a pastor, in 2005, shortly after my rebirth.  To me the verse, Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, speaks clearly to the love relationship I have with the Ruler of the universe and the Lover of my soul.  This very personal and beautiful relationship is hallmarked by Love and I display a reciprocal love for Him by engaging each task, no matter how mundane it might be, with joy, enthusiasm and a sense of honour, since I am doing it to please Him and not myself or others.  Are there jobs which challenge this joy?  Of course there are, after all we are human; however, when we experience these worldly thoughts I urge us to turn to the Holy Spirit of the Living God to reframe my thinking, for realignment to Him.  Do we, all believers, understand what we do for others and for ourselves is in reality for Him and, as such, is a holy task, a task set-apart?

Beloved, our responsibilities are acts of worship!  Imagine the cumulative praise rising to our ABBA, when we all join in thanksgiving for doing for Him.  Whether we declare this with our lips or silently in our hearts, all our tasks are ultimately for Him.  Although this verse was given to me, I joyfully share it with you: Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.

ABBA B’Shamayim, Father in Heaven, I pray we all, your children, turn our responsibilities into acts of praise and worship; may Your Truth and Your Light touch others we encounter, through the exercise of our responsibilities.