Responsibilities

 Recently, I drove to Vegas to visit my dad, who was in the hospital for kidney failure. Thank you to everyone who prayed; I know it made a difference. My dad is doing better; he is not quite fully recovered, but he is going in the right direction. During the last week spent with Dad and my sister I came back with a reminder of the responsibilities given to me by God -my responsibility as a Christ-follower (Titus 2:11-14), a husband (Ephesian 5:25-33), a father (Ephesians 5:4), a son (Ephesians 6:1-4), a brother (1Timothy 5:8), a worker (Colossians 3:23-24) and a pastor (1Peter 5:2-3). It was a seven-hour drive, so there was plenty of time to think while singing 80’s songs through the desert.

Our responsibilities (we all have them) are not ours by accident or without plan. They are treasures from God that ultimately belong to Him (Psalm 24:1) and are generously provided for us to care for as His image bearers (Genesis 1:27-30). It is not easy. However, my encouragement to you, my friends, as we fulfill our responsibilities are our Lord’s words – “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me because I am lowly and humble, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30)”. He not only shares His treasures but also helps carry out the responsibilities.

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