“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” -Galations 6:4-5
These verses were mentioned to me earlier today and I couldn’t help but think about how they follow along with personal responsibility. It seems that personal responsibility is so often shirked and ignored. Or on the flip side we have those who are overly responsible – taking on responsibility for others and getting run over in the process.
But these verses define the parameters of personal responsibility so well. Let’s break these verses down into thoughts and intentionally apply them to ourselves:
Careful Attention
We are to pay careful attention to our work – not our neighbor’s or our friend’s work, but our own. Careful attention indicates intentional, focused, and methodical. Focus on what you have been given to do.
A Job Well Done
We all want the satisfaction of a job well done, don’t we? Maybe the job isn’t our favorite and it doesn’t thrill us to do it, but we do love the satisfaction in the knowledge that it was done well. Have this as a goal as you go about your day, to do your work remarkably well. That way, as you complete projects you can delight in the satisfaction of a job well done!
No Comparison
Comparison is the thief of joy. When we compare ourselves to others, there are always areas where we will fall short. We’re not as confident, not as attractive, shorter, taller, faster, slower, etc. Or if you think too highly of yourself in regards to another, comparison can also lead to a pride issue.
Comparison is a losing battle. That is why it is so important to keep your eyes on your own work and not compare yourself to others.
Our Own Conduct
We are each responsible for our own conduct. No excuses, no blaming someone else. This is vitally important to remember if we want to be our best! This, my friend, is personal responsibility.
God has equipped us with the ability to be our best for Him with the tools He has provided. It is up to us to use those tools remarkably well for His glory! Then, come trial or victory, we will have peace knowing that we have given God our very best.
May we live each day, do each task, focused on doing our best, so that we may rejoice in the satisfaction of a job well done! May we take responsibility for our conduct so that we may be all that we are created to be!
Until Next Time!
Hope.