A compelling obligation

Scripture

Romans 1:14 “For I have an obligation to all peoples, to the civilized and to the savage, to the educated and to the ignorant”.

 

Observation

As an Ambassador for Christ, Paul understood that his destination and connection wasn’t always of his own choosing. He had an obligation to carry out the message of the kingdom he represented – God’s kingdom. Therefore it didn’t matter whether he stood before kings or parliaments, or peasants and townspeople he was there to proclaim the message on behalf of Christ. This obligation was a compelling one that he could not ignore if he was to continue to work for Christ. It drove him to go wherever he was called to attend next regardless of the risk, sensibility or even popularity.

 

Application

I need to ensure I clearly understand who I work for. I don’t just work for a church in a local suburb. I understand that is where I have responsibilities and expectations to fulfil; I even have obligations to an employer there. But as a Christian I represent Christ as an Ambassador of the kingdom my Christianity has come to me from. I work for and on behalf of Christ. I have an obligation therefore to all peoples, civilized, savage, educated and ignorant. My task is to obediently go wherever Christ calls me to go.

 

Prayer

Father in heaven I humbly submit again my life and its actions to you, as my God and my Redeemer. Though I am very weak and my inabilities far outweigh my abilities you continue to send me as your Ambassador into the world I live. I often question your choice of placement for me but I submit to your wisdom and find myself with a compelling obligation to fulfil the mission to which you send me. Grant me ongoing wisdom, courage and strength to ensure I carry out my duties in accordance to your standards. Thankyou for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and presence in my life. May I represent you well always. Amen.

 

Jim Jung