Responsibility: Big Word—Bigger Impact

Responsibility …. Yes it’s a big word with big ramifications!

I wonder what you are responsible for?

Last Monday, we supported our daughter Meritiana at her pōwhiri as she was welcomed into her new school, taking on the role of principal. It was a proud moment, one that reminded me how much responsibility we carry in different seasons of life.

I was a teacher for over 30 years, and that came with enormous responsibility and not just in the classroom, but also beyond it. Coaching my son’s under-6 rugby team came with just as much! Being a parent, building friendships, caring for others, working in health, council, or any role in the community—all involve responsibility.

Beyond our roles, our life choices carry weight. Personal responsibility means recognising that what we do has consequences, not just for ourselves but also for those around us.

The Bible speaks clearly on this. Paul, writing to the Galatians, reminds us about the law of sowing and reaping:

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
(Galatians 6:7–8)

We also read in the Old Testament about Jonah, who was held responsible for his decision to run from the Lord:

“Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” … and the lot fell on Jonah. (Jonah 1:7)

Each of us has a personal responsibility to respond to Jesus’ call:

“Repent and believe the good news.” (Mark 1:15)
And then to live lives that glorify God:
“Created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Responsibility …. Yes it’s a big word with big ramifications!

I wonder what you are responsible for?

Last Monday, we supported our daughter Meritiana at her pōwhiri as she was welcomed into her new school, taking on the role of principal. It was a proud moment, one that reminded me how much responsibility we carry in different seasons of life.

I was a teacher for over 30 years, and that came with enormous responsibility and not just in the classroom, but also beyond it. Coaching my son’s under-6 rugby team came with just as much! Being a parent, building friendships, caring for others, working in health, council, or any role in the community—all involve responsibility.

Beyond our roles, our life choices carry weight. Personal responsibility means recognising that what we do has consequences, not just for ourselves but also for those around us.

The Bible speaks clearly on this. Paul, writing to the Galatians, reminds us about the law of sowing and reaping:

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
(Galatians 6:7–8)

We also read in the Old Testament about Jonah, who was held responsible for his decision to run from the Lord:

“Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” … and the lot fell on Jonah. (Jonah 1:7)

Each of us has a personal responsibility to respond to Jesus’ call:

“Repent and believe the good news.” (Mark 1:15)
And then to live lives that glorify God:
“Created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” (Ephesians 2:10)