I haven’t always treasured responsibility.

Being responsible means doing what you’re supposed to do.

How many of us actually do what we’re supposed to do all of the time?

Can you imagine what your life would like if you did? You would never surf the internet while at work, and thus would be more productive and would likely get promoted sooner.  You would never miss an appointment at the gym, and would stretch beforehand, and would thus be in excellent shape.   You would never overeat or eat unhealthily, and thus would shed 15 or so pounds and would live longer!   These are just a few examples of how our lives would be better if we did the things we already know to do!

But, something about us just wants to break free and be irresponsible! Something about us enjoys freedom from responsibility.   We enjoy possessing our own free will.   After all, who wants to be a robot that only does what they’re supposed to do?

We enjoy our freedom. Problem is, many of us enjoy it unto irresponsibility.

God’s word challenges us to live a better life…one that is fueled by Christ’s teaching:

In John 8:31-32, To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’

It’s important to note that the resultant freedom described here is not one devoid of responsibility. It is one that is established by responsibly “holding to [Christ’s] teaching.”

The Greek word for “hold” here is the word “meno”.  It means to stay, abide, and remain. Also, the Greek word here for teaching is “logos”, meaning the spoken word of God.

I cannot physically hold onto the words that you speak.  But, I can stay, abide, & remain with you as you shape me with your words.

This is what God wants from us.

As we abide in God’s word, we become His disciples.

Jesus continued by saying, “THEN, you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. ”

As we become Christ’s disciples, the truth becomes revealed to us.  And, as the truth becomes revealed to us, we get set free. This is a truth greater than any fallacy that might cause us to turn away or into bondage, thus causing us to lose our freedom.  This is a truth  personified in Christ who transforms our lives, setting us free to live responsibly and to prosper.

The process is cyclical. As we abide in the truth, it sets us free to abide in the truth.

We get more and more built up in truth and life.

Lord, by your Grace, may we be truly free – free unto responsibility, truth, and life.

Live the life.