2005-02-14 - The Responsibility of Christians

Originally Published 2003-07-01

Romans 14:12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.

It is not enough for the Christian to be equal to those around him. The Christian must be more loving, more understanding, more giving, and more exemplary than those around him. Christians are to shine. It is amazing, as you read the gospels, how people were attracted to Christ. They were drawn to Him. They wanted to be around Him. So also should we show such a magnetism. We also should live such lives that people are drawn, too. Part of being Christlike is not only being a little different, but also being the kind of person that shows the compassion, mercy, and graciousness that we see in hrist. It means that we live distinctive lives.

As Christians, we have the fountain of righteousness in our hearts. We can't bury that. The follower of Christ has been given so much. Those who rest in Christ, no matter what befall them in this life, has eternity in view. However, those who have so much are also expected to offer much. The Christian has much to offer a world that is dying, and we must not hide the grace and mercy of Christ in selfishness. We should be those who long to display it. While living in this world, we are still called upon to set our affections on Heaven. This does not mean we don't have a responsibility for the gift we have been given while we live. We are temples of God. We are to walk in the love of Christ, even as we have been loved by Christ. It is never easy, but this is our responsibility as Christians. We need to let the sweetness of the grace of Christ shine on our behavior and make it a part of our character. It should be just like taking a breath of air. Our life is to be Heavenly-directed, and that ought to permeate all our being. Earth may not be home, but while we are here. we have a responsibility to grow up and live Christlike, focused on His kingdom.

God's standard is that we love Him - and love Him above all else. Love to God must be primary above all, or He is not loved at all. Love is the focus of the gospel. To love anything else above God, even though it may seem hard to feel that way in our hearts, is to act as fools. This is the sum of real faith: to love God. The more we love God, the more we can love others. It is maybe the greatest part of our responsibility as Christians, because everything flows from it. It is our love to the Lord that establishes all our efforts in this world to serve Christ, and to remain burning brightly as His children.

Soli Deo Gloria,
T-

tim@cfdevotionals.org
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