Every one of us has responsibilities. After all, “Ability + opportunity = responsibility.” Another word for responsibility is duty. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says what this life is all about, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” We all have the responsibility to obey all of God’s Word. James 2:10 says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” II Thessalonians 1:8-10 says, “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” This tells us that if we fail to keep our responsibilities, then we will be punished forever, whereas those who have kept their responsibilities will go to an eternal reward of happiness.
Keeping these things in mind, I proclaim that this is a very serious matter, that of keeping our responsibilities. Those who are accountable have the responsibility to become Christians. They have the responsibility to be baptized, and this is something that we cannot overlook. One is baptized in order to obey the Lord. Acts 10:48 says, “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be condemned,” Mark 16:15-16. Water baptism is not an option. It is done in order to obey the Lord. Jesus said, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46). If one really desires to go to heaven, he will obey God! I Peter 3:21 says, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
It is very important that each of us live up to our responsibilities and work to fulfill them. Sadly, so many in this world do not have their priorities straight, and sadly, so many allow the cares of this world to keep them from fulfilling their responsibilities. Let us make sure that each day we live that we are putting God First in each and every thing that we do. Matthew 6:33 still says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Putting God First is not an option. It is a requirement. This is where He belongs in our lives, for He is our Maker and Creator. Let us do as He wants done and fulfill our responsibilities, so that when the last day comes we will be found faithful in His Sight.
– Jason Gann, TBC Registrar