Response...Ability

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, (Colossians 3:23 NIV)

As Christians we have many freedoms. We are no longer under the law. We don't have to follow stringent dietary rules and deny ourselves the pleasures of dancing or a glass of wine. We don't have to fear God's wrath if we don't get everything just right. We have forgiveness and grace and a whole lot of love from our heavenly Father. But as someone who spoke at the Via de Cristo this past weekend so creatively pointed out: Christians have "response...ability."

I just loved that - response...ability. It means that we can respond to God's love, grace and forgiveness with the abilities he has given each of us. God gives us all gifts and talents to use to further his kingdom on earth. When we are confronted with God's love, grace and forgiveness we respond by using them to bring others to him. I guess you could say that it is our "responsibility" to use our "response...ability."

Responding is a natural reaction and shouldn't be forced; but it can be given some thought and planning. We need to figure our exactly what our "abilities" are that we can respond with. And then we need to discern the appropriate circumstances in which to "respond" with them.

How will you use your "response...ability" today? How will you use your abilities, gifts and talents to respond to God's love, grace and forgiveness today? Think about it. Plan it. And then do it!

Father, Help each of us to use what you have given us to bring your kingdom just a little bit more into fulness on this earth today. Amen.

Joys: Kevin's very successful semester... possible Chancellor's list...waiting for 2 more classes to finish; feeling more rested today; 2 more days of work before vacation!