Shared Responsibility

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Gal 6:7-8).

My aunt’s husband used to jokingly say that in our household we have “shared responsibility” – “I do all the wrong things and my wife does all the right things”. In a way, the principle of “shared responsibility” is true also in our walk with God, is it not? He is responsible for the consequences of our obedience, but we are responsible for the consequences of our disobedience.

As believers we often fear the consequences of our subordination to His will. What if God does not come through in my current situation? Consequently, we are tempted to cut corners and compromise in many areas. It may be regarding giving, prayer, church attendance, going to the mission field or a thousand other things.  

Paul writes to the Thessalonians: “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” (1 Thess 5;24 NKJV). God does not play games with us. He is fully committed to see us through in every detail related to our heavenly calling (Phil 4:19). He assumes full responsibility for the consequences of our obedience to Him. Although the Lord will faithfully chastise us, He does not promise to bail us out from the consequences of our disobedience (Heb 12:3-11).