Samuel at Gilgal

Duty may be defined as “conduct due to parents and superiors” (respect) or “something that you must do because it is morally right or because the law requires it”. It was Theodore Roosevelt who once commented on duty when he said, “The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first and love of soft living and the get-rich-quick theory of life.” Jesus, however, pointed out the Christian’s duty in this commandment: “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31 ESV)

The words “Christian duty” are not often used today, but what do they mean for the Christian in practical experience? Christ’s words above certainly mean that Christians are to be “doers” and not merely hearers. A Christian’s duty to Christ is keeping His commandments. It is loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is loving your neighbor as yourself. From rich to poor, across all cultural barriers, race and sex, all have a sphere of influence through which we may honor Christ. Carrying out our duty to Christ reflects the glory of God in our lives. We are to live as one who knows his Lord is coming tomorrow and that an account must be given of our time. Are you prepared?

Are you one who looks vigilantly for the return of Christ? The kingdoms of this world are His. Are you ready to give an account of your life? All men will. The purpose of the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit is to help us live for Christ. Do not allow anything to prevent the progress of this work within you. Commit yourself to be conformed to the mind of Christ. Practice holiness in your daily life. Labor for the health of your soul. Fulfill your “Christian duty” by loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

Filed under: Bible, Bible Study, Christianity, Holiness, Samuel A. Cain, Scriptures | Tagged: Duty, Mark 12:29-31, Theodore Roosevelt |