PRELIMINARY REMARKS
There are some marks in a believer’s life that indicates that the believer in Christ is growing and maturing in the things of the Lord. Among these indices are, but not limited to the following:
· Transformation and conformity to Christlikeness -
· Ability to make consistent right decisions in a consistent manner through the leading of the Holy Spirit –
· A sense of full dependence on God, as against personal independence and/or dependence on man
· Readiness to shoulder Kingdom responsibilities.
The focus of this message is to address the last of the stated point.
WHAT THE WORD STRUCTURE MEANS
The word structure is from the Latin word struere "to build," from which structure is derived, is also the source of the English words construct, construe, destroy, instruct, and obstruct.
Structuring as used here means to organize or arrange something into a whole; to develop a pattern for something; molding something into a form/shape. So, our topic could be variously coined as:
- BUILDING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· CONSTRUCTING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· MOLDING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· ARRANGING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· PATTERING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· DEVELOPING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
WHAT THE WORD RESPONSIBILITY MEANSAccountability : the state, fact, or position of being accountable to somebody or for something
Something to be responsible for : somebody or something for which a person or organization is responsible
Reliable : able to be counted on owing to qualities of conscientiousness and trustworthiness
Dependable, conscientious, trustworthy, reliable, sensible, mature.
The thesis is ‘how do you arrange your life in such a way that you become reliable, dependable, sensible and mature enough so that both Heaven and Earth can give you assignment and believe that you would do it correctly without any fear of failure?’
Structuring your life for responsibility is a crucial part of : 1. Moving from miracle – seeking mentality to responsibility-seeking and fulfilling mentality;
2. Moving from consumer mentality to becoming a productive member of the society;
3. Moving from being usable dormant person to being indispensably useful;
4. Moving from being blessed to being a blessing;
5. Assuming responsibilities, not only for your life, but also for others in your care.
STEPS TOWARDS STRUCTURING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
Structuring as used here means to organize or arrange something into a whole; to develop a pattern for something; molding something into a form/shape. So, our topic could be variously coined as:
- BUILDING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· CONSTRUCTING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· MOLDING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· ARRANGING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· PATTERING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
· DEVELOPING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
WHAT THE WORD RESPONSIBILITY MEANSAccountability : the state, fact, or position of being accountable to somebody or for something
Something to be responsible for : somebody or something for which a person or organization is responsible
Reliable : able to be counted on owing to qualities of conscientiousness and trustworthiness
Dependable, conscientious, trustworthy, reliable, sensible, mature.
The thesis is ‘how do you arrange your life in such a way that you become reliable, dependable, sensible and mature enough so that both Heaven and Earth can give you assignment and believe that you would do it correctly without any fear of failure?’
Structuring your life for responsibility is a crucial part of : 1. Moving from miracle – seeking mentality to responsibility-seeking and fulfilling mentality;
2. Moving from consumer mentality to becoming a productive member of the society;
3. Moving from being usable dormant person to being indispensably useful;
4. Moving from being blessed to being a blessing;
5. Assuming responsibilities, not only for your life, but also for others in your care.
STEPS TOWARDS STRUCTURING YOUR LIFE FOR RESPONSIBILITY
1. You Need a Change of Mindset: John 5:10-12 There is a field of Biology called Symbiosis (Greek symbioun, “to live together”), a term for the interdependence of different species, which are sometimes called symbionts. There are three main types of symbiosis, based upon the specific relationship between the species involved: Mutualism, Parasitism, and Commensalism.
Commensalism is the relationship between organisms of two different species in which one derives food or other benefits from the association while the other remains unharmed and unaffected
In parasitism, also known as antagonistic symbiosis, one organism receives no benefits and is often injured while supplying nutrients or shelter for the other organisms who are called parasites. Parasites include viruses and bacteria that cause many diseases. Parasites are dependent on the host for some or all of their nourishments. For example, tapeworms and flukes that infest the intestinal tracks and internal organs of animals and external parasites such as lice and ticks. There are also parasitic plants like mistletoe that draw their nourishment from the branches of other plants.
Mutualism is the symbiotic relationship that results in mutual benefits to the interdependent organisms.
Note: ·Commensalism is the relationship between organisms of two different species in which one derives food or other benefits from the association while the other remains unharmed and unaffected
In parasitism, also known as antagonistic symbiosis, one organism receives no benefits and is often injured while supplying nutrients or shelter for the other organisms who are called parasites. Parasites include viruses and bacteria that cause many diseases. Parasites are dependent on the host for some or all of their nourishments. For example, tapeworms and flukes that infest the intestinal tracks and internal organs of animals and external parasites such as lice and ticks. There are also parasitic plants like mistletoe that draw their nourishment from the branches of other plants.
Mutualism is the symbiotic relationship that results in mutual benefits to the interdependent organisms.
- Responsible Christianity is that of Mutualism – both divine and human;
· As a Christian/Church member – the question should be “What can I do for/in my church”
· As a community member – the question should be “What can I do for/in my community”
· As a Citizen – the question should be “What can I do for/in my country.”
2. Engagement and Faithfulness in Little Tasks and Little Things: Luke 16:10-12 - Anyone who is not humble enough to do menial task cannot do great ones.
· Anyone who is not faithful in handling his family, must not be given opportunity to lead society
· Anyone who can not manage a naira, must not be given 10
· Anyone who can not manage his time should not be given the opportunity to engage other peoples’ time….
· People should be tried/proven with little before they are given much to handle.
Compare also Matthew 25:16-21
3. Prepare for Responsibility: 1 Sam 16:17-1; Psalm 78:70-72- I will study, I will prepare, when my time comes, I will be ready.
· Give yourself to training, skill development, etc where necessary-
· Do discipleship where necessary…
4. Engage in Mentoring Relationships: The examples of Joshua & Elisha Exodus 33:9-11;
Deut. 1:37-38; Deut. 3:27-28; I Kings 19:15-21All responsible men have mentors, regardless of how big they are. Everyone needs a mentor. Mentors are people who have traveled further and farther than we have in their leadership journey, and they can pass on what they have learned.
5. Be Submissive To Authority Figures Mathew 8:8-9
The example of Peter who submitted to the authority of Jesus – follow me in Mathew 4:19.
CONCLUSION Finally brothers and sisters in Christ, I urge you to decide today to be useful. not just in the Kingdom of God but to the Community, Neighborhood, State and your Country.
Remain Bless! Remember to share this message with your friends and also drop your comment below