Our Duty to God
“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” — Ecclesiastes 12:13 (ESV)
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today seeking clarity, conviction, and courage. Help us understand what You’ve called us to do—not for applause, not for earthly gain, but out of love and reverence for You. Open our hearts to receive Your Word and open our hands to obey it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What Is Our Duty to God?
Let’s start with this foundational truth from Scripture:
“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
—Ecclesiastes 12:13 (ESV)
This verse doesn’t mince words. It lays out the bottom line of our existence: to fear God—which means to revere, honor, and respect Him—and to keep His commandments. That’s our duty. Not a suggestion. Not an optional add-on. Our duty.
We were not made to live for ourselves. We were created to glorify God.
“Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
—Isaiah 43:7 (ESV)
Duty in the Old and New Testament
In the Old Testament, duty meant upholding the Law of God—worshiping Him alone, observing His commandments, living justly.
In the New Testament, Jesus summed up that duty in two great commandments:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
—Matthew 22:37–39 (ESV)
So our duty is not only vertical (to God) but also horizontal (to others). We serve God best by loving Him fully and loving others sacrificially.
What Does Duty Look Like Today?
1. Worship and Reverence
Our first and highest duty is to worship the Lord. Not just on Sundays—but in every part of our lives.
“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
—Romans 12:1 (ESV)
2. Obedience to His Word
Duty is about action, not just belief. We show our love through obedience.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
—John 14:15 (ESV)
3. Faithfulness in the Small Things
God often measures our faith not by the big moments, but by the daily ones—how we treat others, how we manage our time, how we respond when no one is watching.
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.”
—Luke 16:10 (ESV)
4. Service and Sacrifice
Doing our duty means being available. It means giving of ourselves even when it costs us—our time, our money, our comfort.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
When Duty Feels Difficult
Some days, doing our duty will feel like a burden. We’ll want to quit. We’ll feel overlooked. That’s when we remember this:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
—Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Duty isn’t glamorous. But it’s sacred. The God who calls you to it also gives you the strength to fulfill it.
Jesus: The Perfect Example of Duty
Jesus never skipped His duty. He submitted to the will of the Father—even when it meant suffering, even when it meant death.
“Not my will, but yours, be done.”
—Luke 22:42 (ESV)
He humbled Himself and became obedient, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). He did this not because it was easy, but because it was right. Because love does what’s needed—no matter the cost.
Modern-Day Reflection
- Are we taking our duty to God seriously?
- Do we view our faith as a lifestyle or a weekend event?
- Are we passing that sense of duty to our children and families?
The world promotes freedom without responsibility. But the Kingdom of God calls us to freedom through responsibility—to know our purpose and live it out daily.
Closing Encouragement
You may not feel important. You may think your small acts of faithfulness go unnoticed. But God sees. Every prayer. Every act of obedience. Every moment you choose Him over yourself.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
—Matthew 25:21 (ESV)
That’s the goal. That’s the reward. Not applause. Not comfort. But the smile of our Father.
Closing Prayer
Lord God,
You created us with purpose, and You’ve given us clear instruction in Your Word. Teach us to walk in obedience, even when it’s hard. Help us to see our duty not as a burden, but as a joy and a calling.
Give us strength to be faithful in the small things and courageous in the big ones.
Let our lives reflect our love for You—not just in words, but in action.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.