Obligations

We are surrounded by obligations. When one lives in a society, one is obliged to follow the social rules of that society. When one drives, they are obliged to follow the laws of the road; this also has implications of auto insurance. Not only these, but we are also constantly encouraged by others to do things that are not ethical and could be physically or spiritually harmful. Our interaction with other Christians also contains obligations - to their spiritual lives. The indwelling Holy Spirit will help us fulfill those obligations to others, if we will let Him guide us. The needs of others are sometimes different and complex, our response to others may not look exactly identical, but if we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, those responses will be what is needed. Paul very clearly discusses flesh and physical actions, things that could cause us or someone else spiritual harm, when he writes, "Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation — but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. — Romans 8:12-13 (NIV)