Exodus 33:12-23; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22
Introduction
The Cambridge Dictionary explains social responsibility as "The practice of producing goods and services in a way that is not harmful to society or the environment." Social responsibility is the actions and inactions of individuals or groups that serve the good of the society. Social responsibility can also be explained as the civic duty which the people in a society are responsible to make life comfortable and welcoming to everyone.
The Ten Commandments God gave us can be divided into two; our responsibilities to God and to society. The last five directs us on how to make life comfortable for each other in the society (Exo. 20:1-17). This is our social responsibility.
Saving Souls Saves Society
Jesus Christ, the author and perfector of our faith had quite a lot to show us about our social responsibility.
The Church leads individuals to the saving arms of the Saviour for a transformed life. This is our first and most important social responsibility. When lives are transformed to the path of Christ, the society is then bereft of all crimes and evil acts, we make the society a safe haven.
People's transformed heart and mind raises the desire to do good and to honour God with their lives and therefore, care so much about the way they treat others.
1. Seeking God's Guidance
We have come to understand that we are called to be responsible to God and society. Our constant connection to God for His guidance will make us fulfill this responsibility.
In Exodus 33, we witness Moses' intimate relationship with God. Moses sought God's guidance, and God's response was to go with him. As Christians, our primary responsibility is to nurture our relationship with God. Moses said, "Now if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, please teach me Your ways, and I will know You and find favor in Your sight. Now consider that this nation is Your people." (Exodus 33:13). It is in this relationship that we find strength and wisdom to fulfill our social responsibilities.
Take a moment beloved in Christ and reflect on your connection with God. Have you left God behind or you are still within His guidance. The hardship of the society in which we live can dictate our pace and acts meanwhile, Christ is the only path we need to walk on.
2. Leading By Example
In 1 Thessalonians 1, we read about the faith and love demonstrated by the Thessalonians. Their faith was an example to others, and their love was evident in their actions. Our responsibility as Christians is to be models of faith, showing God's love to the world through our words and deeds.
As people who are on the right path of life, we must set good examples to all others. The church must be seen as the prophetic voice of God to this dying society. Our exemplary life should set the pace to guide society. We must model our faith to the society.
Listen to Paul,
"You know what kind of men we were among you for your benefit, and you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia."1 Thessalonians 1:5-7
"Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
1 Timothy 5:8 NIV
Never allow anyone to prevent you from being responsible to your divinely ordained community, family.
3. Fulfilling Wholistic Responsibility
In Matthew 22, Jesus addresses the issue of taxes, reminding us to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. Our social responsibility encompasses both our civic duties and our spiritual obligations. We are called to be responsible citizens, while never neglecting our service to God.
Paul counseled that,
"Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God."Romans 13:1.
Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees teaches that we must not walk in the wisdom of men but that of God. When they plot to trap us, God's guidance will break us through.
Today, our social responsibility as Christians extends to various aspects of our lives. We are called to care for the vulnerable, speak up for the oppressed, and work for justice in our society.
James writes,
"Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world."James 1:27. It means showing compassion and love to our neighbors, even those who may be different from us.
Today, the church is calling on all to extend support to our brethren in the Tongu Districts of the Volta Region in Ghana due to the Akosombo Dam spillage. It is our social responsibility to lend this helping hand. Rise up in prayer for society and help one another.
Conclusion
As Christians, our social responsibility is a direct reflection of our faith. Just as God promised to go with Moses, so He promises to be with us as we navigate our social responsibilities. Let us commit ourselves to deepen our relationship with God, be models of faith and love, and fulfill our civic duties while never neglecting our devotion to God. By doing so, we can be beacons of light, spreading God's love and making a positive impact on the world.
