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INTRODUCTION

RESPONSIBILITYKnowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Responsibility

Have you ever wanted your parents to give

you something, only to hear, “Maybe when you are older”? Perhaps you dreamed of owning a pet or using your dad’s tools. With every new privilege comes greater respon-sibility. Even as a child, you are responsible for how you interact with others, care for your possessions, and fulfill your tasks. Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” You may not see great value in taking out the trash or washing dishes, but consistent dependability in everyday tasks will win the trust of your authorities. They will then be ready to give you greater responsibilities and privileges. As you faithfully complete little tasks, keep in mind that God is preparing you for greater ones!

Miriam Watches Her Little Brother

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Character Quality Overview

What Is Responsibility?Read aloud, study, and discuss what responsibility means and how it applies to life.

The operational definition of responsibility is “knowing and doing what both God and others are

expecting from me.” You can know what God expects from you by reading His Word. As you obey His Word, you will also fulfill your duties toward others, such

as loving them, forgiving them, and meeting their practical needs. When an assignment is given to you by your parents, they trust that you will complete it. Once you thoroughly finish the task, you have shown responsibility. You knew what you needed to do and you did it. Sometimes the responsible choice involves sacrifice, such as

waiting to play until you have finished your school-work or setting aside a planned activity so you can help someone else. However, responsibility reaps the invaluable rewards of a good name, greater privileges, and a clear conscience. (See Proverbs 22:1.)

The opposite of responsibility is unreliability. A person who is unreliable does not consider his assignments important, so he does not think through what is required to fulfill them. His tasks are often late, incom-plete, or forgotten. He may think, “This job can wait until tomorrow; I’ll play now!” At other times, he may not pay attention or understand what is expected. Rather than ask for help or clearer instructions, he may use his lack

of understanding as an excuse to delay doing the job. An unreliable person may quickly offer to help someone but then fail to follow through. Because others cannot rely on him to finish his tasks, they must often remind him of his duties. Greater freedoms or opportunities are not granted to him because he has not been faithful with smaller tasks. The irresponsible person will regret the way he foolishly handled his earthly assignments when he stands before God to answer for them.

Knowing and doing what God expects of you prepares you for the day of accountability. Romans 14:12 says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Do you search God’s Word and yield to what He would have you to think, say, and do? As you approach each situation or task, do you apply yourself with a good attitude? Do you complete your responsibilities wholeheartedly, knowing that you serve the Lord and that He is your Rewarder? If so, when your works are tried, you will be able to joyfully receive lasting rewards from your Savior. (See I Corinthians 3:13–15.) No praise will bring greater joy than hearing Christ say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21).

One who is responsible finds joy in pleasing both God and his authorities as he accomplishes what is expected of him.

An unreliable person, like an unstable bridge, does not give others confidence that he will do what he is expected to do.

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The Character of GodWe see examples of responsibility in God’s character in the following ways:

• God is faithful to deal in love toward His children, just as He said He would. (See Psalm 119:65; 89:33–34.)

• God always keeps His promises. (See Joshua 21:45.)

• God will fully accomplish the sanctifying work He begins in the believer at salvation. (See I Thessalonians 5:23–24.)

• Jesus said and did only what His Father wanted Him to say and do. (See John 5:30; 12:49.)

• Jesus, the Son of God, did not owe earthly taxes, yet as the Son of man, He respected the civil authorities by paying what was expected. (See Matthew 17:27.)

• As He died, Jesus ensured His mother would be cared for by transferring the responsibilities of a son to His disciple John. (See John 19:25–27.)

• The Holy Spirit fulfills His role, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (See John 16:7–8.)

Responsibility in My LifeNow let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out responsibility daily.

• When am I ready to be trusted with greater responsibility? (See Luke 16:10–11.)

• For what will God hold me responsible on the Day of Judgment? (See Matthew 12:36–37; II Corinthians 5:10.)

• What should I do before making a commitment and why? (See Luke 14:28–30.)

• What does God expect of those who serve Him? (See Micah 6:8; Romans 13:8.)

• When I am unreliable, what is the impact on others? (See Proverbs 25:19.)

• What kind of person am I when I am not responsible to do the work given to me? (See Proverbs 10:4–5; 18:9.)

• Who gives me the strength to accomplish my God-given tasks? (See Philippians 2:12–16.)

As you read and study God’s Word, see Who

He is, and allow Him to work in you, your life

will become a radiant expression of Him. He will

be glorified as His character is seen in you.

RESPONSIBILITY KEY VERSE“So then every one of us shall give account

of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

Responsibility in Scripture

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Bible StoryMIRIAM WATCHES HER LITTLE BROTHER

Pharaoh gave the terrifying orders. How could the Israelites escape such a hopeless situation?

Years before, during a severe famine, a previous ruler of Egypt had welcomed the Israelites to live in Egypt. However, this current Egyptian pharaoh feared them. Realizing the Israelites outnumbered his own people, Pharaoh tried to limit their growth by forcing them to hard labor. When this harsh plan did not weaken the Israelites, Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill the infant boys as soon as they were born. But the midwives feared God and did not comply with the ruthless demand. Pharaoh’s new

orders went throughout all the kingdom, declaring that every Hebrew baby boy be found and thrown into the crocodile-infested Nile River! During this time of cruel persecution, a Hebrew couple named Amram and Jochebed gave birth to their third child, a baby boy. Jochebed successfully hid her newborn son for three months from those who sought to kill him. The time soon came when she could no longer keep him quietly hidden. Would Jochebed and her daughter Miriam be able to protect the baby? Could Miriam’s faithfulness in a small task save her brother and ultimately her nation?

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONSRead Exodus 1:22–2:10 together and discuss the following questions:

1. What did Jochebed make for her son and why? Why was it important that she make it water-proof ? (See Exodus 2:3.)

What tasks in your home do you see that need to be done? Why should you do even the smallest task well? (See Colossians 3:23–25.)

2. How did Miriam show concern for her baby brother Moses? (See Exodus 2:4.)

In what ways can you show special care for your brothers and sisters?

3. Who found the baby? Did Miriam wait to be called upon, or did she step forward to offer help? (See Exodus 2:5–7.)

When you see a mess in the kitchen or someone carrying in groceries, how might you help? Do you wait until you are told to help or do you offer willingly?

4. What did Pharaoh’s daughter tell Miriam to do? Did she follow through on her offer? (See Exodus 2:8.)

When you offer to do a job, do you follow through?

5. What did the daughter of Pharaoh tell Jochebed to do? (See Exodus 2:9.) Some time later, what difficult task did Jochebed fulfill as was expected of her? (See Exodus 2:10.)

Which responsibilities do you find difficult to fulfill? Who can give you the grace to accomplish them? (See Colossians 1:11.)

6. How did God use the faithfulness of Miriam to affect the entire nation of Israel? (See Numbers 33:1.)

Can you always foresee the impact of being faithful in small tasks? As you fulfill your responsibilities, Whom should you please? (See I Thessalonians 4:1.)

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Memory VerseROMANS 14:12

Play the game together to help the children commit Romans 14:12 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

ROMANS 14:12

DOERS OF THE WORDIn the blank below, write how this verse could be applied in your life, e.g., “take care of my body as Your temple,” or “invest my time and money wisely,” or “seek Your direction for the possessions You have given me.”

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to ________________ _________________________________________ ____________________________________________. I ask that You would develop responsibility in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s working in your life.

MEMORY VERSE GAME

Hand Motions

Work with the children to think of hand motions to illustrate the meaning of the words and use them as you quote the verse together several times. A suggestion for Romans 14:12 is as follows:

“So then”—Stretch both hands out in front of you.

“Every one of us”—Point to each person present.

“Shall give account”—As if a judge, make a fist with one hand and pound once against the open palm of the other hand.

“Of himself”—Point at yourself with both index fingers.

“To God”—Point both fingers upward to God.

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Activity WORD SEARCH

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

INTRODUCTIONEnjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the responsiblity key verse and definition as you find them in the word search below. The underlined words are hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or backwards.

If finding the underlined words is too difficult or frustrating for your child, assign only a few words to find, such as “God” and “and.” Younger children could point to the ABCs. Older children may enjoy the extra challenge of finding all the words instead of only the underlined words.

Romans 15:4

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Responsibility

Knowing and

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from me

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Matching GameTHE RIGHT HAT FOR THE JOB

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

InstructionsMatch each person, represented by their hat, with the problem that could result if they were unreliable in only one of their “small” tasks.

What other jobs do we rely on workers to complete? What hats do they wear? What would happen if they did not do their jobs thoroughly? What are some of the small tasks that you are expected to do? Are you

faithful to do your tasks well, no matter how minor they are? Are you responsible in your daily tasks now so that you will learn how to be faithful with greater tasks in the future?

Forgets to prepare turnout gear. Arrives late for fire.

Greater damage and injuries occur.

Delays harvesting crops. Crops over-ripen and rot.

Grocery stores have food shortages.

Mixes up patients’ records. Wrong medication is administered.

Patient’s condition deteriorates.

Neglects to follow orders precisely. Troops lose the battle.

Country is left unprotected.

Disregards signs of an unhealthy hive. Mites and disease flourish.

Bees die and no honey is harvested.

Skips using salt and spices. Food is unflavorful.

Bad reviews result in fewer customers.

Ignores instrument panel. Pilot becomes disoriented.

Aircraft crashes.

Neglects emergency calls. Crime goes unchecked.

Neighborhood becomes unsafe.

Leaves out the insulation. House gets colder in winter. Higher electric bills result.

Fails to slow down around sharp curves. Train derails.

Cargo arrives late or damaged.

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Miriam Watches Her Little Brother

“And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. . . . Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?” (Exodus 2:4, 7).

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Hymn History

“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning”Sing “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” and read about the responsibility proclaimed by the hymn writer, Philip P. Bliss.

In the growing darkness, Lake Erie’s waves crashed

against the shore near Cleveland, Ohio. The light-

house keeper was responsible to keep the beacon at

the top of the structure lit. He also would light a row

of smaller oil lanterns along the shoreline to guide

ships into the channel toward the harbor’s safe haven.

With each nearing storm, the lighthouse keeper would

painstakingly go from lantern to lantern, filling and

lighting each one. Despite the great beacon, without

the smaller lights

to lead the ship

through the narrow

passageway, the

vessel would wreck

upon the rocks.

One particular

night the lighthouse

keeper did not light

the lanterns. During

the night, a violent

storm arose. Amidst

the turbulent waves

and screaming winds, a ship’s captain tensed. His

old pilot gripped the helm. As the ship heaved and

creaked, the captain squinted into the darkness.

“Are you sure this is Cleveland?” he asked the pilot.

“Quite sure, sir,” replied the pilot, gripping the wheel.

“But where are the lower lights?” questioned the captain.

“They are out, sir,” was the terse reply.

One last question remained. The captain asked, “Can you make it?”

“We must sir, or we’ll perish.”

Desperately, the pilot blindly tried to steer into the channel without the lights that should have been shining brightly to guide him. But the ship crashed against the rocks and many lives were lost because one man did not do his job.

A young man, Philip P. Bliss, read with horror the headlines and how one man’s negligence had been so deadly. Later, Mr. Bliss heard evangelist D. L. Moody refer to the tragedy in a sermon. Mr. Moody closed with: “Brethren, the Master will take care of the great lighthouse; let us keep the lower lights burning.” Mr. Bliss told a friend afterward, “. . . When I heard Mr. Moody use it as an illustration in his sermon that night, I cried out in my heart, ‘Bliss, you are just as guilty as the man in the story. As a Christian, you are to be one of the lower lights shining brightly so that some poor soul tossed about on the sea of life may find safety and everlasting life in the haven that God has prepared.’” Within a week Mr. Bliss had written the hymn, “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning.”

We are entrusted with responsibilities as well. Just as the captain and crew depended upon the lighthouse keeper, people are depending on us. Are we showing responsibility by shining for Christ in this dark world, sharing the way of safety with people who are drown-ing in sin? Do we keep our “lights” shining so they may find peace in Jesus Christ?

Philip P. Bliss (1838–1876)

Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

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Hymn Sheet Music

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Let the Lower Lights Be BurningPhilip P. Bliss (1838-1876)

©

Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876)

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Word Search Answer Key

Hymn History BibliographyBarrows, Cliff, Crusade Hymn Stories, Hope Publishing Company,

Carol Stream, IL, 1967, pp. 84–86.

Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 More Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications,

Grand Rapids, 1982, pp. 174–176.

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Recommended Resources• 2020 Biblical Character Illustrated

Calendar

• Hymns for the Family CDs (“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 1.)

• The Power for True Success

• Character Cards

• Character Cards Memory Game

• Character Sketches, Volumes 1–3

• Achieving True Success

• Created for Work by Bob Schultz

• Heroes of Faith: John Newton in booklet or audio drama CD series

• “The Faithfulness of the Bus Boy” (Message by the Benham brothers, available at embassymedia.com.)

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

store.iblp.org