THE RESPONSIBILITY POEM

Charles Osgood (1933-2024) radio and television commentator, author wrote ‘The Responsibility Poem.’

“This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it.

Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job.

Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.”

(Condensed version ‘The Responsibility Poem)

Taking responsibility seriously is simply a basic Kingdom value. This is so imprinted in the Jesus message that he doesn’t only ask for responsibility but also asks us to ‘go the extra mile,’ ‘give one of our coats,’ and ‘share some of our food,’ as well as ‘forgive those ‘Somebodies’ who don’t carry their share of the load and are too lazy to care.’

That’s tough ground for me to plough. That’s why The Sermon on the Mount is to be understood in the supernatural section of our understanding and lived out in the natural section. Otherwise, let Somebody else do it.

“If anyone slaps you on the cheek, offer him the other cheek.” (Yikes!) Jesus