Dereliction of Duty Part 2

# 364 - Today's Du-votional comes from: 1Sa 26:13-16, “Now David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of a hill afar off, a great distance being between them. 14 And David called out to the people and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, "Do you not answer, Abner?" Then Abner answered and said, "Who are you, calling out to the king?" 15 So David said to Abner, "Are you not a man? And who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not guarded your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy your lord the king. 16 "This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, you deserve to die, because you have not guarded your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the jug of water that was by his head." (1 Sam 26:13-16) Plain and simple, Abner is guilty of dereliction of duty, and as I mentioned last time, we become guilty of the same offense when we fail to heed Jesus' command to “watch and pray.” Jesus' concern was that His followers might fall into the trap of getting so caught up with the cares of this world that they would neglect some of the basic duties of the Christian life. Those duties include such things as evangelism, (Go) giving to the poor, fasting, praying, and even taking care of those in your household. 1Ti 5:8 says, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith (been derelict in his duty) and is worse than an unbeliever.” Try to look at it this way. When you were saved by grace through faith, you became a member of the household of God. As with every household, there are chores that need to be done to keep the household running smoothly. Sometimes, the managers of the house will post a list of duties for the members of the household. The Bible has a similar list of duties for the members of God's household. What are they? Pick up the Bible, prayerfully read it, and your duties will become clear. Your willingness to participate in the chores of the household of God serve as proof of the genuineness of your faith. Faith without works (performed duties) is dead. (James 2:17) Father, thank You for Your grace that saved me, help me now to respond to Your grace with joyful service in Your kingdom.