Greetings to you, dear friends, on this wonderful day! Mercy of God has been renewed for us this morning. Bible says,
«Let everything that has breathe praise the LORD» (Psalm 150:6).
If you are alive and breathing today, it is the mercy of the LORD, and it is a sufficient reason to praise and thank God.We are still talking about the importance of being a responsible person. We already established that being responsible is rewarded by glory, authority, power, influence and promotion from God. Being irresponsible brings a person to shame, reproach, and the loss of authority, power and influence. Today I would like to talk about why people choose being irresponsible.Let’s look at the parable of talents that was told by Jesus. There we can find several reasons why people become irresponsible. Hopefully, God will open our eyes to see the truth in this short passage of the Holy Scripture.«For the kingdom of heaven is like a man travelling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (…) Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed» (Mathew, 25:14-19, 24-26).
Fear is the first reason why the man with one talent chose to be irresponsible. «And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground».Fear paralyzes and limits person’s faith. Fear steals strength of the strong. Fear kills boldness in a person. A fearful person cannot move forward, because he or she does not really believe in victory. Fear ties up the talents in a person.Apostle Paul pointed it out when he wrote to Timothy: «Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind» (2 Timothy, 1:6-7).
If a person allows the spirit of fear to take him over, then all of his abilities, knowledge and gifts come to a standstill. For the gift of God that Timothy possessed not be bound and for Timothy to be a responsible minister, Paul urges him to stir up his gifting. Paul understood that God had not given him a spirit of fear, but of love and sound mind.If you want to learn to be responsible, the first thing you need to overcome is fear on all levels of your life. It is absolutely necessary to grow in being bold and courageous. Bible says that the only fear we can have is the fear of God. The fear of God releases us from all other fear, especially the fear of men. The fear of men brings bondage.«The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe» (Proverbs, 29:25).
In the most important moment of his ministry Paul was not afraid to do what is right, because the fear of God delivered him from the fear of men.«For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ» (Galatians, 1:10).
Jesus Himself said that if you should fear somebody, then fear God Who is the Judge of all and can cast a soul into the pit.«And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!» (Luke, 12:4-5).
Understanding of these things makes a person alert and places him or her on the path of a responsible life. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. We will be different from the people around us if we will live by the Spirit God has given us.“For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the ways of this people, saying: „Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread”(Isaiah, 8:11-13).
So, fear is one of most serious reasons why people avoid taking responsibility. But God Himself tells us not to fear! He has given us a wonderful promise in His Word:«Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand» (Isaiah, 41:10).
You plus God is a majority! Together with God you are invincible. If God is with you, there is nobody who can defeat you. Do not fear! God is with you! God Himself has given you a spirit of power and not of fear.We will continue tomorrow. God bless you!Pastor Rufus Ajiboye
