Chapter 2 starts off with this concept of "irresponsible responsibility" and "responsible irresponsibility". I am going to try and explain the difference between these similar terms and reveal that they are not at all the same.
Irresponsible responsibility: the daily duties that keep us busy (work, bills, household chores, etc) These are important in that we must do these things to keep u our homes, feed our families, pay for gas, etc.
Responsible irresponsibility: the will of God; this would be those tasks that we can do to step outside of our daily "box" and do something for God.
That's as simple as I can put it. Now it seems quite simple to do something for God and to set aside our daily norm, but is it? Often we find ourselves too busy to do services for the Lord. I for one fall into this category. Work keeps me very busy, and then I come home to my wonderful family. Now I love my job and really love my family. I wouldn't take that time with my family and trade it for anything. Here's the problem: I get so wrapped up in my daily "things" that I forget to make time for God.
When I say "time for God" that includes time for prayer, reading the Bible, etc. These are the simple things that I should just do everyday. It's like the minimum requirements so to speak, even though the only requirement is really to accept Christ into your heart and follow Him. As I've mentioned before, once you've met that minimum requirement, you should take on bigger tasks. Now I pray every once in a while. I try to read my Bible. I go to church on Sundays. I attend a small group with my wife. I even attend a men's small group at 6am every Friday (that's devotion... especially when it's below freezing!). These things that I am doing are nice, but it's not like I'm really stepping outside of my comfort zone and pursuing the Holy Spirit.
Going to church, praying, attending small groups... these things are nice, and I'm sure that God appreciates me doing these things, but I need to do more. Now we often hear of stories of people who serve God, and we think, "Wow, that's awesome, but I could never do that." For example, Mother Teresa went against the advice of her superiors and started orphanages in India. She made the statement, "Find your own Calcutta." This statement refers to you (and me) finding your passion, find what motivates you (makes you mad/sad/angry/happy), and do something in that area. Through that you can serve the Lord and hopefully bring others to know Him. Now you don't have to sell ll of your possessions and move to India. You could simply start a small group, serve in the church, attend mission trips, start mission trips, etc. Try to discover your Gd-given talents, step outside of your comfort zone, and do something. Pursue the Holy Spirit. (I am sharing my faith through this blog. Not much, but it's a start).
Another problem with serving is that we often feel like we don't have the skills or experience to perform certain tasks. Enter Nehemiah. Here was a guy who served as a cup-bearer for a king. He heard that the walls of Jerusalem were destroyed and the people were in danger. Nehemiah asked the king if he could go help rebuild the walls. With the job title of "cup bearer" I doubt he had the architectural experience to build walls that could be used as fortifications. What is important here is that you don't have to be the most experienced person in the world to do work in areas you are passionate about. I went on mission trips in high school and painted houses. I served as a leader for mission trips in college and directed youth in projects to pain houses. I don't think I could ever paint my own house or manage a company that painted houses. I worked with others and got the job done. I had a great time doing it. If you're driven to work in a certain area, the tools will be provided.
I urge you to "Find your Calcutta," and really step outside of your comfort zone. Just go with it! God will be with you along the way. Whether you start a Bible study or start an organization that delivers food throughout Africa, just go with it...
God bless.
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