day no. 16,464: whatever responsibility belongs to you, own it

Ezra 10:4

Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.

Whatever responsibilities belong to you, own them. Take ownership, rise up, and do what is distinctly yours. And as men begin to rise up to their responsibilities, they will find like-minded, similar-spirited men called to their side. We must do what is ours to do, but we should also expect God to stir others to throw their lots in with what He is doing through us. Conversely, He may stir us to join in another's work already in progress. We may be the aid called up as reinforcement for our brother. But whatever the call, obey it. Be of good courage, attend your post, and throw your back into whatever you're called to do there. If every man of God rose up to the responsibility God has given him, we would find even more reasons for good courage as we began to hear good reports of godly advance in surrounding quarters.

Men do not make excuses, they take responsibility; and in so doing, they often make good friends. Both in making themselves friends fit for other men and in collecting for themselves a set of reliable running mates.