Devotional: Personal Responsibility

John 8:31-36

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life’” (Jn. 8:12, NASB).

Light is powerful. Light dispels darkness makes it possible to see where we are walking. The sight of a light can point us in the right direction. The magi in Matthew saw the light of the star that led them to Bethlehem where the King of the Jews was born. I can remember following my daddy on dark nights through the woods. I do not know where I am. I do not know the way. I cannot see the path we are traveling. Daddy has a lantern. The lantern gives light. If I walk in the light I can see the path. If I lag too far behind daddy I cannot see the path. Daddy has the light. I can find my way if I follow the light that daddy has. I realize that where the light is, daddy is there.

Daddy keeps walking. Daddy is carrying the light. Daddy does not say anything to me. I must take personal responsibility to follow the light. When I lag behind I stumble over an obstacle lying in the path. Daddy says nothing. He keeps walking ahead. Daddy is teaching me to take personal responsibility. It is my responsibility to walk in the light.

Jesus tells those who believe in Him that they must take personal responsibility for holding on to His teaching. He says, ‘“If you continues in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free”’ (Jn.8:31-32, NASB). Jesus is the Light. It is our responsibility to come to the Light and walk in Him.

Prayer: Father, we thank you for the Light of Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to take personal responsibility to live our life walking in the Light that sets us free from darkness and sin. Amen.