A Lesson in Responsibility

As I was reading a book called "Character Sketches," I learned a lesson in responsibility and loyalty illustrated by the common crow.  The crows fly together... sometimes in packs as big as 40,000!  They are very loyal to one another.  As they fly to a field to pick the left over corn after the harvest, two birds at any moment somehow are given the task to stand post to watch for any possible danger.  If they see an enemy approaching, they warn the flock with a certain caw so that the entire flock can take flight for protection.  Most of the time, these two guard birds are very responsible and realize the importance of the task given them.  The book records a story that on one particular occasion, the two guard crows became inattentive and lost their focus.  When one crow on the ground picking corn saw the enemy approaching, he immediately gave the signal to the flock that danger was near.  As the rest of the flock took flight, they headed straight for the guard crows (whom did not give the signal) and killed them for their irresponsible actions.

Now the thought today WILL NOT be to kill those that are irresponsible!!!  I share this story to help us to think about all the different tasks God has given to us.  Are there areas in our own lives where we need to refocus and realize the importance of each "job" God has entrusted to us.  The crows did not put up with the individual crows that were not "doing their part."  Praise God that He is soooooooooooo full of grace and continues to convict and challenge us to continue to become more like Him.  If we have made a commitment to the Lord, are we making EVERY EFFORT to fulfill our commitment to Him?  

Are we spending time with Jesus, priority #1, on a daily basis?  Are we committed to our spouse NO MATTER WHAT as we said  we would be on our wedding day?  Are we acting responsibly in our jobs as we should to represent Christ correctly?  Are we committed to being patient in waiting on God's perfect timing for the strongest desire of our heart?  These are some questions we all need to prayerfully consider as we press on to our finish line.

Let us also be reminded today of how important our roles are in the Children's ministry.  This is one way we have all committed to serve our Lord.  If we do not realize the importance of what we are doing, then we might begin losing our focus.  Be reminded that each and every week you come to serve the Lord in a classroom, you are "washing the feet" of 25 (sometimes more!) children.  You are allowing AT LEAST 25 (probably closer to 50) adults hear the Word of God and be challenged by the truths in it.  You are teaching young, eager minds TRUTH that many of them do not hear on a regular basis.  Most importantly, you are being obedient to what God has called you to do for this season of your life.

Let us be challenged to be responsible, realize the importance of our task, and take action to do what God has called us to do as a body of believers.  We ought to be MORE responsible and loyal than the crows!  Remember 2 Chronicles 16:9 states, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him..."