“In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves…Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment…”
Ecclesiastes 12
Even in perilous times when people band together, each one can only answer for themselves. Responsibility and accountability are individual decisions that require equally individual actions.
When my brother is in danger and has no defense, I am his shield and sword. However, when my brother has in his possession the ways and means of providing for his own safety and refuses to employ them I am not indebted to secure his defense.
When the scripture says, “the whole duty of man”. You will not that the word duty is recorded in italics. That means the word was added to the text for clarity. But the reading is much clearer and forceful without it.
The whole of mankind—the essence of humanity is to engage with God and follow the path where that reverence leads. That will mean different things to different people. But Jesus is absolutely correct to tell us it is summed up in two very simple, and at the same time two very complicated things. That is to love God and demonstrate love others in our actions.
Which is, of course, as you see, really only one thing—to love. All the commands of God are love because they stream from the divine presence which is pure love.
While the commands of God are love, that does not mean they are the saccharin, sweet sentiments of greeting cards. The person who would abide with God swears to their own hurt and does not back up from their oath. The godly lay aside their life to bring blessedness into the lives of others. We are really created for nothing less.
When the world is falling apart, and when you are hated and mistreated, your duty never swerves aside to an easier path. The way ahead is in God and through God—walk it with head held high.
Maranatha
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