More thoughts on duty

One thought that keeps coming back to me about duty is that it's hinged on our responsibilities, not our feelings. So much these days is about what makes me feel good, what I want, what I will get from any given chore or job. I think that is why duty is so appealing. It brings to mind the unchanging Word of God, God's call to righteousness, and obedience to God's Word. We are basically brought to the law, but we know the law is good, and a necessary part of God's plan.

Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Romans 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

But we also know there is a better law than what we call the "Ten Commandment" law. That is the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. 

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The other thought I've had is that duty is like rules. It gives us a standard. It's a guideline. When we are weak, it keeps us going. When we are not feeling up to  it, it shows us the way. It makes me think about raising our kids. We give them rules and discipline because we love them and they need it. They are happier with it. They can rest in knowing what's expected of them. So, we too, are like those children who need a loving Heavenly Father who gives us those same rules and discipline.

Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

 

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.