Responsibility

The very tone of the word 'responsibility' sends me into a tailspin these days. It seems like the positive intent of the word has been traded in for passive aggressive manipulation.

What is responsibility? In a tangible sense, it is easily associated with discretion, particularly with your resources, an ability to maintain commitments, and to be *ahem* 'reliable'.

What is the responsible thing to do? Well, to often (in my humble opinion) the responsible option is defined by 'worldly' standards. Which outcome produces the most financial gain? What choice puts me on the track to fulfill my obligation to accomplish the 'American Dream'?

The saddest part is that this mentality can even filter into the church... manipulating our ability to trust God. How often do we deny opportunity for less-risky options, because they 'make sense' materially, or because we allow fear of 'failure'.

Who defines failure? I contend that failure is a word primarily meant to define the opposite of worldly success. I have a hard time thinking of an situation that I would deem a failure in the spiritual sense. All circumstances produce growth and learning that are invaluable.

So, as a church, a body with eyes on the end game... theoretically, we welcome growth as we seek to become better versions of ourselves. Theoretically we have our minds set on the 'kingdom', right? Well, here is the way I have come to see it...

This rat race that the world tells me I have to participate in is a waste of time. If I, at any point, allow myself to get caught up in it, I am immediately bogged down by fears and stresses that remove every bit of joy from my life. This is where that illusive 'freedom in Christ' comes in to play for me... I am free from the fear of failure, and the stress of constant competition because I am able to live in a reality where, as cheesy as it sounds... I am loved regardless of what I look like, how good my grades are, or how much money I make. I can experience happiness without a penny to my name. I can have peace with whatever craziness happens. This is enabled by this weighty term, my 'word' for 2008, TRUST. My trust in Christ comes form his promise to take care of me. I just had to start believing that his plan was not only decent, but a pretty awesome, and that he was capable of making it happen. He proved that to me this year.

I live in a reality where the entire value system is reconstructed. What do I seek in life? Well, in the perfect world I could say I only seek to be who God wants me to be... a more loving, compassionate, wise, person... and where he wants me to go. I don't claim those as my sole pursuits quite yet, but getting rid of my need to be the prettiest, smartest, or WHATEVER it is, is certainly putting me on the right track.

So, back to my point: I am getting really sick of hearing the word 'responsibility' used an excuse from taking a chance. You know, it may not make the most logical sense... it may not be the most financially feasible... it may not even be the most appealing option, but if God is offering you the opportunity to take a chance and do something crazy, to get out of your comfort zone, experience life in a new way... I say DO IT.

The End.