How can we ensure our spiritual responsibilities are not neglected, as in 2 Chronicles 24:6? Call to Attention: 2 Chronicles 24 : 6 “So the king summoned Jehoiada the chief priest and asked him, ‘Why have you not required the Levites to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax imposed by the LORD’s servant Moses on the congregation of Israel for the Tent of the Testimony?’” Jehoiada and the Levites had grown lax. A clear command—fund the house of God—was sitting ignored. King Joash’s rebuke exposes how easily God-given duties slip when no one keeps watch. Recognizing the Warning Signs of Neglect • Growing comfort with delay: “I’ll get to it later” becomes a habit. • Diminished zeal for God’s house, Word, and people (cf. Psalm 69 : 9). • Erosion of regular giving, serving, and gathering (cf. Hebrews 10 : 24-25). • Lack of accountability—leaders, friends, or family no longer asking how obedience is going. • A subtle shift from stewardship to ownership—“my time,” “my money,” “my schedule.” Scriptural Foundations for Faithful Responsibility • Obedience is a divine trust. “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4 : 2) • Neglect brings loss. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1 : 22) • God blesses fidelity. “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… see if I will not open the windows of heaven.” (Malachi 3 : 10) • Accountability is protective. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27 : 17) Practices That Guard Our Assigned Duties 1. Daily Scripture Intake – Schedule an immovable block for Bible reading. – Read with intent to obey, not merely to learn (cf. Luke 11 : 28). 2. Weekly Corporate Worship – Prioritize gathering; other plans orbit around the Lord’s Day. – Serve in some capacity so attendance carries responsibility, not mere observation. 3. Consistent Giving and Generosity – Set aside firstfruits (1 Corinthians 16 : 2). Automate or earmark to prevent forgetfulness. – View every resource as belonging to God; management flows from that conviction. 4. Structured Accountability – Invite a trusted believer to review spiritual goals and follow-up dates. – Leaders keep watch over souls (Hebrews 13 : 17); joyful submission fuels mutual diligence. 5. Regular Self-Examination – Compare current habits with Scripture’s commands (2 Corinthians 13 : 5). – Confess lapses quickly; lingering guilt paralyzes, swift repentance restores momentum. 6. Intentional Service – Identify gifts and match them to needs in the body (1 Peter 4 : 10). – Keep a “ministry calendar” so tasks receive the same weight as secular appointments. Maintaining Motivation When Zeal Fades • Remember the reward. “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6 : 9) • Fix eyes on Christ, the perfect steward (John 17 : 4). • Celebrate small obediences; gratitude fuels further faithfulness. • Meditate on the cross—every duty becomes privilege when viewed through redemption. Accountability in Leadership and Community • Leaders must speak up, as Joash did. Silence fosters decay. • Faithful believers respond humbly, as Jehoiada did after rebuke (2 Chronicles 24 : 11-14). • Regular reports—financial, service, attendance—keep everyone transparent and encouraged. The Ultimate Example: Christ Our Model Steward • He finished the work given by the Father (John 17 : 4). • He relied on Scripture (Matthew 4 : 4). • He served selflessly (Mark 10 : 45). • He entrusted ministry to accountable disciples (Luke 12 : 42). Living It Out Today • Write down every spiritual duty entrusted—prayer, study, fellowship, giving, serving, evangelism. • Attach concrete times and methods to each duty. • Share the plan with a mature believer for oversight. • Review progress monthly, adjusting but never abandoning. Promise to Remember “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master will put in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” (Luke 12 : 42-43) |
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