Adult #6 – Being Responsible – Carrying Kingdom Weight
As we continue exploring the adult stage of discipleship, we discover that spiritual maturity brings with it an increasing willingness to carry responsibility. Adult disciples recognise that following Jesus is not simply about receiving His blessings or enjoying fellowship with His people. It is about strengthening the Body of Christ by faithfully carrying the responsibilities God entrusts to them.
Adult disciples do not merely belong to a local Church—they help build that Church.
They actively participate in the life of their local church, offering their gifts, abilities, time, and experience for the benefit of others. They willingly walk alongside the weak, the lonely, the orphan, the widow, the new disciple, the growing disciple, the discouraged, and those searching for hope. They understand that spiritual maturity expresses itself through loving responsibility.
This Kingdom responsibility is seen in many different ways. Adult disciples carry one another's burdens. They faithfully fulfil ministry responsibilities. They are willing to engage in difficult conversations when love requires it. They honour their commitments. They face challenges rather than avoid them. They pursue biblical reconciliation when conflict arises. They serve consistently. They strengthen the community of faith. They create environments where others can flourish. They love God and others deeply. Above all, they continue making disciples who, in turn, make disciples.
The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:2,
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ."
The law of Christ is the law of love. Genuine love is not merely expressed through words or good intentions; it is demonstrated by willingly carrying the burdens of others. Mature disciples understand that love often costs us something. It requires time, patience, prayer, encouragement, sacrifice, and, commonly, quiet perseverance. Yet this is precisely how Christ loves us, and it is how He now loves others through us.
Paul develops this further in Ephesians 4:15–16, reminding us that the whole Body "grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Every believer has a part to play. Our contribution is not measured by how visible it is or how impressive others may think it to be. God simply calls each of us to faithfully, fruitfully play our part within His Body.
This truth is beautifully illustrated in my own family. My ninety-seven-year-old mother-in-law, now blind and largely deaf, faithfully bends her knees in prayer each day, interceding for others and for our world. Years ago, when we planted a church, her role looked very different. She would arrive early on Sunday mornings to help our young family prepare for the day, even lending us her car so I could arrive before everyone else while she helped my wife get our children ready, including our newborn. Her responsibilities have changed over the years, but her willingness to serve has never changed.
Our responsibilities may change with different seasons of life, but we always have a part to play.
Adult disciples also understand that Christianity was never intended to be an individual pursuit. We are not simply saved as individuals; we are saved into the family of God. That family finds practical expression through local churches where we have the privilege of both serving others and being served ourselves—not as a transaction, but as an expression of God's grace. This is part of our kingdom responsibility.
The writer of Hebrews encourages believers,
"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together..." Hebrews 10:24–25
Notice the corporate nature of discipleship. We strengthen one another. We encourage one another. We remind one another of Christ's faithfulness. We help each other persevere with hope and commitment. This sense of responsibility comes from living in genuine Christian community with one another in a local church.
For this reason, adult disciples value reconciliation. When relationships become strained, they pursue peace rather than division. Paul reminds us that God "gave us the ministry of reconciliation" 2 Corinthians 5:18, and elsewhere urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" Ephesians 4:3. Mature disciples recognise that healthy relationships strengthen the witness of Christ's Church and create places where people can flourish.
Ultimately, adult disciples ask a very different question from those who remain spiritually immature. Rather than asking, "What can the church do for me?" they ask, "How does Christ want to love His Church through me?"
This is the heart of Kingdom responsibility. Adult disciples willingly carry Kingdom weight—not because they have to, but because they love Christ and love what He loves. As they faithfully carry responsibility for God's people, they become living expressions of Christ's love, strengthening His Church and bringing glory to His Name.
Reflection Questions
How am I currently strengthening the Body of Christ through my local church?
Whose burden might God be inviting me to help carry this week?
Am I faithfully fulfilling the responsibilities God has entrusted to me, regardless of how visible they are?
Is there a relationship where God is calling me to pursue reconciliation or encourage unity?
How can I lift a fellow believer to be closer to Christ this week?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for placing me within Your family and making me a member of the Body of Christ. Thank You that You have given me a unique part to play in strengthening Your Church.
Teach me to carry responsibility with humility, faithfulness, and love. Help me to bear one another's burdens, honour my commitments, pursue reconciliation, and serve joyfully in whatever You entrust to me.
Guard me from selfishness and remind me that maturity is seen not in what I receive, but in how willingly I give myself for the sake of others.
May Your love be expressed through my life as I strengthen Your Church, encourage Your people, and faithfully carry the Kingdom responsibilities You have prepared for me.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Next Step
This week, intentionally look for one practical way to strengthen your local church or encourage another believer. It may be offering practical help, praying with someone, making a phone call, resolving a strained relationship, or quietly serving where there is a need. Ask yourself each morning, "Lord, how do You want to love Your Church through me today?" Then faithfully play the part He has entrusted to you.
This blog was written by Richard Botta.
