Responsibility is a sense of duty and obligation to self and other. Responsibility means accountability, being trustworthy and diligent. It also means accepting duties of roles. Never before has there been a greater need in the church for Christian’s to step up and accept their responsibility as part of the Body of Christ to the local New Testament Church. In a day of buffet, pick and choose Christianity in which so many show little if any allegiance and commitment to the local church we need to understand what are our responsibilities.

Responsibility to Belong to local Church

There is no instance of New Testament believers ever refusing to belong to a local church. Joining the church was the normal thing to do, immediately coming to faith.  Ephesians 5:25 …Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. If Christ gave Himself for the church we can do no less than make a commitment to that which Christ gave Himself for.

Responsibility to Care

True compassion demands action, to say you care and not act is not care at all. Jesus always demonstrated compassion toward people. The parable of the Good Samaritan shows us what compassion looks like and what our attitudes should be.  it also shows us that we will always have an excuse to justify not getting involved but Compassion inconveniences, costs and changes lives.

Responsibility To be Generous

In the same parable of the Good Samaritan, highlights three attitudes potential attitudes. (a) What’s yours is mine and I’m going to take it. (b) What’s mine is mine, and I’m going to keep it. (c) What’s mine is yours, and I’m going to give it. We should be willing to give as we would receive: cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers

Responsibility to Serve

We have a Christian responsibility to serve each other. The Bible says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10  It is in our service that all will see God’s grace in action as we demonstrate our faith. Service is the embodiment of Christian love toward others.

We have a Christian responsibility to encourage one another. First Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up.” It is easy in this world to become discouraged because of work, relationships and finances. It is through encouragement that people can rise up and overcome any obstacle they may encounter if they believe in themselves.

We have a Christian responsibility to help carry burdens for others. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” No one should have to walk alone in the valley of being burdened. We need to walk with others and share in and lighten the heavy load many carry on their shoulders. Jesus removed our greatest burden at the cross. Therefore, we just like Him need to help otherswho are lost in the valley

We have a Christian responsibility to pray for each other. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” The heavy loads we carry don’t just stay in the natural world but also belong in the spiritual. We must pray for each other.