Christian's responsibility is personal in its very nature. In Matt 25:14-15, we learn in the parable of the talents that everybody's ability varies, but we are only held accountable for what we can do. In Matt 26:26-30 the consequences of failure to meet these responsibilities are seen in the failure of the one talent man. When we do what we can when the opportunity is presented we will be found acceptable. The one talent man hid and did nothing with what he was held accountable for.

There are means of fulfilling our personal responsibility, which are found in the scripture. Teaching and preaching the Gospel of Christ to others is both a public and private responsibility. We find in Rom 1:15; Acts 20:20, 24, 27, how Paul discharged this responsibility. Also, this is done when we send others and holding up their hands in the support of such work. We see an example of this in Philippians (Phil 1:3-6; 4:15-16). There will always be a necessity of someone being sent (Rom 10:16). The influence of righteous living and faithful services preaches a loud lesson, which is understood by one and all. 2 Cor. 3:2-3, says the individuals are letters to be read by all that see it. The Christian influence compared to the World, is a saving power of Salt and light of the world (Matt 6:13-16). That is through the Christians' life, the world sees what it means to be a Christian. Also, Christ is seen in them as his servants.

In the New Testament we have examples of this taking place. Andrew immediately upon being called by the Savior, found his own brother and brought Peter to Jesus. (John 1:40-42). Philip carried the good news of his discovery of Christ to Nathaniel (John 1:43-61). Paul became all things to all men, that is, he used every legitimate means and made every sacrifice in order to save others (I Cor. 9:19-23). But, let us note. Paul did not compromise one principle of Christianity to accomplish this.

The world is the filled with opportunities and our opportunity for such work is unlimited as we see in Matt. 13:38; Luke 10:1-2; John 4:36-38.

What makes a successful soul winner are some of the same things, which makes a successful Christian. They are to be blessed by doing it as we see in Dan. 12:3 and James 6:19-20. They must be relentless, which means they will go at all hours (Matt. 20:1-16). They are lovers of the souls of men. (I John 4:9; Eph 6:2) They are prayerful people, which is seen in the example of Christ. (Mark 1:85; Luke 6:12) They are a people who will know the Bible (2 Tim. 2:15), and are careful when they teach others. (I Cor. 3:10; I Tim. 6:3-5; I Tim. 4:18) They have a purpose in mind when they go about the day's activities. They have a definite effort to persuade a definite person to accept Christ at the definite time of today. We see as the Christian walks through the different actives of the daily life, they have opportunity to influence one for Christ and encourage them to obedience.

This not only builds the work of the church, but it is a builder of the individual as Christians. [ The End ]