Are You Obligated?

Romans 1:14 (NASB)

I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.

Paul felt obligated to live in Christ-like availability toward all he came in contact with. To him, everything was about Christ. He did not pick and choose to whom he felt obligated. To do so would mean that Paul was partial, a sin we are taught to avoid. Contemplating whether or not we can attain this lifestyle can bring temptation—temptation to believe that being impartial to all men is unachievable. There is nothing God has commanded that He would not empower you to accomplish;

2 Peter 1:3 (NASB)

…seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

Unbelief is at the heart of all disobedience. Have you known what good to do and then not done it (James 4:17)? Have you read a command or verse of scripture that stood out to you and your response has been unbelief? Unbelief will deaden your sensitivity to God’s Spirit. Partiality will deaden your sensitivity to what God wants to do in another person’s life. Sometimes God may want you to communicate His love to people to whom you would rather not. Sometimes God may want you to offer a stern correction or loving silence. The issue is that you are sensitive to what God wants at the time. 

Your spirit must be in tune to His. If this isn’t the case with us, then we will not commit to the obligation. We will only be committed to some and this is not the way of God nor His Son. 

Do you need to repent for partiality? Just tell Him and ask Him to cleanse you from it. Ask for His help so that you will be obedient to Him in dealing with all people going forward. And, the next time you get the opportunity, remember your obligation to be like Jesus.

God so many times I have not demonstrated your unconditional love for people. In your word you tell us that your servants are loving and gentle to all. Would you help me this day and those remaining to be obligated to You and to others. Amen.

#responsibility #partiality #obligation 

If you or someone you are seeking help from a counselor and prefer that you receive guidance from God’s Word, please contact us at allthingsbc.com. We would love the opportunity to speak with you!