The tale of Jonah teaches us how to handle our responsibilities face-on. When God assigned Jonah a task to go to Nineveh to preach the word, Jonah decided to take the easy way out and leave—not wanting to take responsibility for the wicked citizens.
This choice to run away eventually leads to God creating circumstances that will help Jonah come to his senses. In the end, the prophet finally sought help from God, knowing no one could run away from the Lord’s call.
In a way, we all have a purpose. Some examples of a purpose may range from attending an excellent college to becoming a better citizen. Whatever our purpose is, we must take the necessary task to achieve such a goal. When we go against the direction of our goal, it can lead us to stormy seas and within a large fish (symbolically speaking, of course)!
Additionally, when we avoid responsibilities, we also become arrogant and lazy. The belief that we can still succeed but fail to put in the effort goes against self-improvement. It also gives the impression that perhaps we are “too good” for specific responsibilities.
Another is that our inner strength becomes weaker. Developing perseverance requires mental fortitude against difficulties. When we run away from our problems and responsibilities instead of facing them head-on, we become ineffective in spirit and more distant from receiving God’s grace.
Responsibility may feel like a burden. When unsure why we have to do such things, we tend to take its fruits for granted. However, if you believe that God has a purpose for you, you need to trust that there is a lesson to learn from this. We may not see it now, but eventually, things will fall into place.
by Chad Groen
Author Chad Groen 