Tag Archives: Responsibility

Responsibility, Capability and Struggle

15 Friday Dec 2017

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I have a position of responsibility. How should I conduct myself around people of the opposite sex? Seems like an easy question to answer, but in secular society, it is not. In an article (Columbus Dispatch; pages C-1, 3) the headline reads, “Accusations making men wary at work.” The thrust of the piece deals with two things: first, it is good women are speaking out against sexual advances or harassment; second, there exists now a backlash because of this. “I have already heard the rumblings of a backlash: ‘This is why you shouldn’t hire women” (C-1). Through the years, as a Christian and, most certainly as a preacher, much counsel has been given to me not be alone with a woman. While there are untold number of women who properly carry themselves in the presence of men (and men toward women), there exists horror stories of men falsely accused and women victims of unwanted advance by the few.

How should one carry him or herself in any circumstance? The Williams Translation of the New Testament in 1 Peter 1:14-16, makes clear the best policy. “As obedient children, stop molding your character by the evil desires you used to cherish when you did not know any better, but in accordance with the Holy Being who has called you, you must prove to be holy too, for the Scripture says: ‘You ought to be holy, because I am holy’.”

One can’t improve upon this way of thinking and living and, until it is implemented, problems in this area will perpetuate and, possibly, get even worse.

I have a capability. Because I have a capability in a certain area of life, an expertise, should I make use of that in the context of the church environment? Most people will respond with an affirmative answer, but it’s not always the case the answer should be yes. I have the capability to lead, but should I be appointed as an elder? Not necessarily. It may be that I do not meet the requirements of the Holy Spirit in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus. I am a professional singer, should I not be called upon the lead singing? Not necessarily. It may be with your capability, your demand on yourself is one you place on others who have less than your capability, thus bring about discouragement. I am an accountant, should I not be put in position of responsibility as church treasurer? Not necessarily. It may well be the case one who is treasurer is very loyal to the Lord and financial responsibility. Booting that one out (him or her) can do more harm when it is unwarranted.

I have a struggle. Do you struggle with moral failings or emotional failings? While you may not, there are a good many who do. The reason for the struggle varies. The other day I read of a young porn-actress who committed suicide because of sexual abuse when she was younger, bullying of late and those who judged for her occupation. Biblically and morally, with regard to her occupation, rendering a judgment on immoral behavior is rather easy, for the Lord stands opposed to such behaviors. What about bullying and sexual abuse?

Maybe your struggle is of a sexual nature. Perhaps you desire to be intimate with the another of the same sex; perhaps your desire is to be with another not your spouse; perhaps your interest is toward those much younger, even in the self-stimulating arena. Many people do not want to talk of such things, but looking at the news, it appears many should. It matters not what your struggle is, what matters is what you do about it to make things right in your life. Don’t give in to evil, give yourself to the Lord. He is your only hope.

People have baggage in life that is hard to let go of, but something that must be left behind. The baggage of which I speak is the baggage of weight that prevents us from moving toward the Lord. Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who toil and carry burdens, and I, yes, I, will lead you into rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for the yoke I offer is easy to wear, and the load I ask is light to bear” (Matthew 11:28-30, Williams Translation).

In responsibility, capability and struggle, a good place to start is with Jesus. RT

No Justification, But A Contribution

29 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Behavior

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Angela Lansbury, a female actress into her tenth decade of life commented in an interview that some women must take some blame for the sexual harassment problem in society. “There are two sides to this coin,” Lansbury, 92, said. “We have to own up to the fact that women, since time immemorial, have gone out of their way to make themselves attractive. And unfortunately it has backfired on us — and this is where we are today.”

In this she is correct.

There is no justification for sexual harassment, violation or any kind of wrong-doing that might be perpetrated against another person. Yet, there are many contribution factors.

  1. On November 4, 2017, there is a report from Paris with the headline “Paris Opens its First-Ever Naked Restaurant.”
  2. Hooter’s restaurant now has a change in strategy because older patrons have more interest in breast than younger patrons.
  3. In May of 2016, a report spoke of provocative dress and sexual responsibility.
  4. “A Democratic Congresswoman is under fire after saying that women are partially to blame for sexual assault and harassment in the way they dress and act.”

Thoughtful people see this as well as they see the sun shine in the sky. Agenda-oriented people, however, can’t see this at all, even as it stares them in the face. Why? Because that demands accountability/responsibility, and some think even if a woman walked naked down the street there is no justification to violation. This is true.

No justification, but a contribution.

In the earliest days of human history, the Lord said this will occur: “To the woman he said, ‘I will greatly increase your labor pains; with pain you will give birth to children. You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you” (Genesis 3:16, NET). One expositor said about this passage, “…a conflict between the man and the woman. She will desire to control him, but he will dominate her instead.”

How does she do this? There are many contributing factors. Negatively, generally speaking, she can’t overpower him physically, but she can drop him to his knees sexually.

Of course, not all females are like this, and neither is it the case that all men are brutes.

There is no justification for sexual harassment or unwanted advances by one toward another. However, this will occur, and it will never stop when men (people) have no interest in the Lord’s way, though there is great interest in the ways of man. “They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world’s perspective and the world listens to them” (1 John 4:5).

No justification for wrong, but many contributions generate wrong-doing. RT

WOMEN IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

19 Friday Sep 2014

Posted by in Corinthians, Doctrine, Leadership

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In chapter 11 of this book, Paul speaks to that which a great many women today take strong exception to, and that is the headship of man over a woman (particularly in the relationship of husband/wife). In part, Paul said: But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God (11:3, ESV). The word “head” is a key word in this verse; the man/husband has a head (Christ), the woman/wife has a head (man/husband), and Christ has a head (the Father).

How is the word “head” to be understood?

Albert Barnes said it plainly enough when he wrote:

The word ‘head,’ in the Scriptures, is designed often to denote ‘master, ruler, chief.’ The word ראשׁ  ro’sh is often thus used in the Old Testament; see Num. 17:3; 25:15; Deut. 28:13, 44; Jdg. 10:18; 11:8, 11; 1Sam. 15:17; 2Sam. 22:44. In the New Testament the word is used in the sense of Lord, ruler, chief… (E-Sword).

The significance of this this is apparent to each reader. So significant it is that many refuse to hear and submit to the Lord regarding it. Thus, those who have so chosen to operate have refused their ultimate “head” (Christ). Do they think they will escape His judgment regarding this? Evidently. But in this they are mistaken!

Some women respond to the Lord’s will by concluding (falsely) that the female is relegated to a second-class person. The words of the apostle Peter fit right here concerning those who twist the Scripture in actual words of implied teachings (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). There is no truth in this at all – from the Lord’s perspective (which is a holy perspective). The problem is, and has always been, man’s interpretation and application of God’s word. This approach of man is in accordance with a hermeneutical standard of self, something God does not recognize.

Just like the female who refuses to interpret what she clearly sees is the sense of the passage, there are males who abuse the authority given them by the Lord. Both will stand before the Lord on judgment day (2 Corinthians 5:10).

In the context of the passage – for that is always what we need to keep in mind – in the context of the passage, Paul was addressing an issue the Corinthians asked him about (head covering). In this context Paul addresses roles that each have in the Lord’s plan concerning the family. The male is given a heavier responsibility in regards to the family, and that pertains to his leadership in things holy. To minimize the role of the female in that same family, however, is a tragic mistake.

Speaking for myself in regards to my family, I have a tremendous responsibility placed upon me by the Lord in the leadership of my family. If I fail to exercise my responsibility in accordance to the Lord’s will, then I will have to account to the Lord for that. More than that, however, it is very much the case that I am instrumental in setting the direction my children go in life, and if I don’t take serious my responsibility, then the direction I send them won’t be heaven! A grave responsibility is given to the man in this role of leadership.

God and Responsibility

03 Thursday Jan 2013

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Letter editor,

“Those of us that don’t believe in God, know the good or bad that comes to this nation is solely the work and responsibility of humans.”

In moral debate the terms “good” and “bad” are going to either be meaningless or not. If God does not exist, they are meaningless terms because the valuation that both terms represent is solely determined by the individual; what is “good” for one may be “bad” from the perspective of another. With such an approach there is no real way one can know.

On the other hand, since God exists, the terms “good” and “bad” can be measured by a standard that is transcendent of man, a standard of valuation that does not reside or originate with man.

The debate over the propriety of homosexual marriage is a case in point. To the atheist, agnostic, skeptic, and nominal believer in God, the desire for meaningless terms as part of our debate is the norm. The valuation of determining homosexual behavior as “good” is then confused because with no God there can be no ultimate determination of what is actually good. As soon as the idea of God is granted, then the debate moves from the sphere of man to the discussion of God’s will.

Since the Lord has revealed himself on the matter, and he has declared homosexual behavior to be “bad,” it is also the case that homosexual marriage is likewise “bad.”

Thus, the moral breakdown of society can be directly attributed to man’s rejection of God and the usurpation of his own will. This is seen not only in his own immoral behavior, but also with regard to who he supports in public office.