Duty and Privilege

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust (Acts 14:23).

Responsibility (or duty) is the other side of privilege. “Commit your way to the Lord” – that is our responsibility. “Trust also in Him” – that is our happy privilege. Responsibility = our response to God’s ability; to respond to the opportunities God has placed in front of us.

[God] has committed to us the message of reconciliation (Acts 14:23). So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good (1 Peter 4:19).

We must often raise the heart to God, for He will purify it, enlighten it, and direct it. “If it is to be, it is up to me” – Actually, it is up to me to be the clay in the Potter’s hands.

Each particular being in its individuality – its concrete nature and entity, with all its own characteristics and qualities, and its own invisible identity – gives glory to God by being precisely what He wants it to be here and now.

When Jesus called the disciples, He did not find the most qualified; He found the most willing.