Have you ever flown with a child? It is amazing how much one must carry on for the wellbeing of the child, especially when she is an infant. As she gets older, she is able to take more responsibility for herself and the things she brings with her. It might be a backpack with snacks, books, games or comfort blankets to help keep her occupied during the flight. As that child gets older, she assumes more and more responsibility for what she brings with her. Eventually, she will fly alone and the load she carries will be hers alone. She can’t pass it off to mom or dad; it is her responsibility.

As I finish reading Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia, I am challenged by his closing remarks. Wanting to neatly summarize his final comments into a one concise package, I hear the word RESPONSIBILITY.

I am responsible to others. ²Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

I am responsible for myself. ⁵For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

I am responsible for what I reap because it is a byproduct of what I sow. ⁷. . . You will always harvest what you plant.

I am responsible for where I put my focus. ¹⁴As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. ¹⁵It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. ¹⁶May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.

In Christ, I am transformed into a new creation. The old is gone; the new is come!

Where are you struggling to take responsibility? Bring it before the loving gaze of Jesus and ask him for wisdom to discern and courage to follow through.