Duty

Duty. What an interesting word! What kind of connotations does it carry for you? Do thoughts of joy, gratefulness and excitement come to mind? Perhaps not! We have grown up in a culture which first asks: “What can I get?” rather than “What can I give?” Duty, therefore, won’t be found in the favourite, top ten words of our time!

But regardless of that Jesus did speak to us about it. He thought it was important for us to know that we do have certain duties in life, certain things which we’re simply expected to do. More and more I’m realising how healthy these expectations from God actually are!
As parents we’re hoping to instil a certain sense of duty in our children’s lives, which, hopefully, they’ll take with them into their adult lives. For example, we tell them to tidy up their mess without complaining or arguing. When they’re done they don’t receive a special reward – they’ve only done what’s reasonable! We know we’re not being harsh in this, but loving. Because we love them we want them to grow up as whole and rounded people, who possess, amongst many other qualities, a sense of duty.

God is good to us and the expectation on us to fulfil our duties in life isn’t a bad thing. It’s a good thing. Even unbelievers would agree with that. Those involved in non-Christian humanitarian aid and philanthropy affirm that rising to the call of duty helps us to feel more fully human. For us, as believers, we can take it further. When we carry out that which we consider our duty, to obey Christ, we grow and mature into strong Christians. We reach fulfilment and satisfaction in the life God has given to us. Dodging responsibilities, avoiding duty and being down-right lazy has never helped anyone to feel good about themselves, let alone find fulfilment!

So, in His goodness, God has given us duties in life. These are not meant to weigh us down, they are meant to allow us to flourish and blossom! We can thank Him for the Bible verse above and ask Him to give us the grace to embrace that which is only our duty.

Prayer: Father, I’m sorry where I’ve tried to run away or hide from the simple duties in life. I realise that by doing so I’ve prevented myself from coming into maturity. Please help me to rise up and fully take up my responsibilities! In Jesus’ name, Amen.