Being a Christian is not what many people think it is. Most of the world thinks that becoming a Christian is saying a prayer or just going to church. Many also think that after becoming a Christian nothing bad will ever happen to them. They think that they won’t have to endure anything; they won’t have to use discernment because they will be able to rely on their own limited understanding. This thinking is short-sighted. Being a Christian in many ways is actually a harder path to take. There are many responsibilities, and subsequent blessings, for Christians to consider. Jesus set the example. Sacrifice, submission to authority, and serving these are only a few responsibilities of being a Christian.
One of the many responsibilities of being a Christian is sacrifice. In the Bible God states, “Greater love hath no man that he should lay down his life for his friend.”1 This responsibility is extremely significant because Jesus sacrificed himself for us. Sacrifice is one of the many difficult, but powerful life-changing responsibilities of being a Christian.
Another very important responsibility is discernment. Many Christians today are in much need of discernment, because they are having a difficult time in distinguishing right from wrong and their long term consequences. Although discernment is difficult, it is a necessity for a healthy Christian life. If we learn and exercise discernment, we will walk a more responsible and victorious Christian life.
Probably the hardest responsibility is submission to authorities. God says that we are to obey those in authority over us, no matter what they do (unless it goes against His law). We still must listen even if we don’t actually care what the authority is saying. Submission is one of the most difficult responsibilities because it is hard to listen to anyone. Although submission is challenging it is a great achievement and allows us to gain favor in God’s eyes. This responsibility also prepares us well for the positions of authority the Lord may have us in one day.
One more responsibility is serving. One of the many ways to serve is to listen and do. Another way to serve is to serve without complaining. Still the greater way to serve is to look and see what needs to be done and do it. Serving is very significant because that is what Jesus did when He was on earth.
Still another responsibility that is most difficult, but most fruitful, is the responsibility of endurance. The reason endurance is so hard is because we choose to trust God even when difficult, or even dire, circumstances befall us. Even though you’re a Christian, difficult circumstances and people are part of this life. This is one thing many Christians often don’t realize. But one thing we do know is that if we endure, God meets us with grace when we need it most, and through endurance our personal strength and faith matures.
Sacrifice, discernment, serving, submission, and endurance are all necessities in a healthy Christian life. Sacrifice is when you go out of your way to help someone that also involves a personal loss. Discernment is when you can distinguish right from wrong. Serving enables us to think of others. Submission allows us to respect our authorities and endurance grants us the ability to hold on. These are only few of the responsibilities of a powerful and effective Christian life.
~ Challenge A Writing Assignment
2007/2008
This week is my orientation for Challenge B with the noblest of tutors, Ms. Bailey!
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