In one pastors’ seminar pastors objected and were upset with the trainer. He said: “Children education right means to make sure all children between age of six and fourteen should attend school. If any child in our congregation is not attending school, then pastor is responsible.” Some pastors objected stating that: “It is not our responsibility.” Seminar leader said: “Moral responsibility.” Taking responsibility is hard for many leaders including pastors. Like Pontus Pilot they want to wash their hands – baptism of irresponsibility.
Saul wanted to kill David. It so happened that when Saul, Abner the commander and his soldiers slept, David went there and fetched spear and jar of water. “And David said to Abner, “Are you not a man…Why then have you not kept watch over your lord the king?… you deserve to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, the Lord’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is and the jar of water that was at his head.” (I Samuel 26:15,16) Was Abner expected to be awake 24/7 to guard King Saul? Abner had ‘moral responsibility’ to protect the King by making all fool-proof efforts: mobilizing soldiers, assigning duties, training them, providing weapons, briefing of dangers, tactics…etc.
Moral responsibility is stewardship of our ‘calling’ or profession which we do in this world. Herod executed guards for letting Peter escape. (Acts 12: 19) Though Peter was delivered by angel, still Herod could not believe that. David said that Abner deserved death punishment, even though only water jar and javelin were lost. Diligence in work is very important. God scrutinizes our attitude and productivity in our workplace too.
Do I realize and fulfill my moral responsibilities?