General Understanding of Responsibility

Responsibility is a broad term that can be understood through three key attributes:

Authority refers to the right and qualification to perform a task. When someone is given authority, they also receive an obligation to fulfill the assigned duty. For example, a headmaster has the authority to manage a school, which comes with the responsibility to ensure quality education.

Accountability means being answerable for one's actions and decisions. It involves rendering an account of what has been done or left undone. Teachers are accountable to the headmaster for their teaching performance, and students are accountable for completing their assignments.

Liability refers to bearing the consequences of failing to meet expected standards. When obligations are not fulfilled, the person responsible faces penalties or negative outcomes.

Biblical Understanding of Responsibility

From a biblical perspective, responsibility originates from God. God created the universe and humanity, bearing the ultimate responsibility for creation. Human responsibility is built upon this divine example—God expects humanity to respond to what He has done and to act as His representatives on Earth.

The biblical concept of responsibility emphasizes that authority is meant for service, not selfish gain. As stated in Matthew 6:33, we should "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness."

The Situation After Exile

The Babylonians destroyed Solomon's temple and took the Israelites into exile in Babylon. Later, King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing some exiles to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Upon their return, the people found the temple in ruins and began rebuilding, but the work stopped due to resistance and discouragement from surrounding peoples (Ezra 4:4).

The exiles faced social and economic challenges in their new circumstances. Rather than prioritizing the temple's reconstruction, they focused on building and decorating their own houses. This neglect became the central issue addressed by both prophets.

About Prophet Haggai

Haggai means "festal" or "joyful." He prophesied in Jerusalem around 520 BCE, making him a contemporary of Zechariah. His book contains four main messages: instructions for rebuilding the temple, the people's response, God's promise of blessing, and the future of leadership in Jerusalem.

About Prophet Zechariah

Zechariah means "God remembers." He was also a post-exilic prophet who ministered alongside Haggai, focusing more on the spiritual status of the people. His book contains eight visions (chapters 1-8) and oracles (chapters 9-14), addressing themes of repentance, hope, and future restoration.

Haggai delivered a message of warning and hope. He confronted the people directly:

"Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your panelled houses while this house lies in ruins?" (Haggai 1:4)

The people's neglect of the temple had immediate consequences:

• Poor harvests
• Lack of satisfaction in eating and drinking
• Insufficient clothing and wages (Haggai 1:6)

Haggai urged the people to "consider your ways" (Haggai 1:5) and to rebuild the temple, promising that God's presence and blessings would follow. He encouraged the people with the words, "I am with you" (Haggai 1:13).

Zechariah's prophecies emphasized spiritual renewal and responsibility. His eight visions revealed God's concern for His people:

1. The four horsemen – God would comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem
2. The four horns and smiths – Punishment of nations that scattered Israel
3. The measuring line – Restoration of Jerusalem under God's protection
4. Joshua the high priest – Removal of sin and provision of clean garments
5. The golden lampstand – Zerubbabel empowered by God's Spirit
6. The flying scroll – Curse on thieves and those who swear falsely
7. The woman in the ephah – Removal of wickedness from the land
8. The four chariots – God's servants carrying out His work worldwide

Zechariah called the people to genuine repentance, asking whether their fasting was for God or for their own interests (Zechariah 7:5).

The Responsible God

God demonstrated responsibility by initiating the exiles' return through King Cyrus and by punishing His people for their neglect—not to condemn them, but to correct them. When the people suffered consequences (poor harvests, dissatisfaction), God invited them to reflect and change their ways (Haggai 1:5-8).

Responsible Leaders

The prophets fulfilled their responsibilities by delivering God's messages, even when the messages were uncomfortable. Haggai warned the people about the consequences of their actions, and Zechariah called them to repentance.

Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor demonstrated responsibility by receiving the prophetic message and acting on it with obedience (Haggai 1:12). Their leadership led to the completion of the temple rebuilding.

Irresponsible and Responsible People

The returned exiles initially acted irresponsibly by neglecting the temple while focusing on their own houses. This negligence brought consequences upon themselves—poor harvests and dissatisfaction.

However, they eventually transformed into responsible citizens upon hearing God's message. They resumed rebuilding the temple and repented of their sins.

Worked Example: Like the exiles who postponed rebuilding the temple while enjoying their own comfortable homes, some community members today may neglect important communal responsibilities—such as maintaining village water sources or participating in church construction—while focusing only on personal wealth. When the community suffers from these neglected responsibilities, everyone shares the consequences.

The names of the prophets carry meaning: Haggai means "joyful," and Zechariah means "God remembers." These names remind us that responsibility brings joy and that God remembers those who fulfill their duties.

Consequences of irresponsibility in today's world include:

• Corruption – Embezzled funds harm community development
• Road accidents – Reckless driving causes deaths and injuries
• Environmental degradation – Deforestation leads to soil erosion and poor rainfall
• Poverty – Laziness and neglect of duties perpetuate economic hardship
• Poor academic performance – Truancy and failure to complete assignments

When people act responsibly, suffering in society significantly reduces. The transformation seen in Haggai and Zechariah's time—from indifference to action—demonstrates that God's message can change people from irresponsible to responsible citizens.

1. Responsibility involves authority, accountability, and liability – We must use our abilities and positions to fulfill obligations
2. Prioritize what matters most – Like the exiles, we must not neglect our spiritual duties for material comforts
3. Consider our ways – We should regularly reflect on our actions and their consequences
4. Leadership requires responsibility – True leaders serve others and fulfill their obligations
5. Transformation is possible – Through repentance and obedience, irresponsible people can become responsible

In Tanzanian communities, the lessons from Haggai and Zechariah apply directly to everyday responsibilities—such as maintaining boreholes or village roads, attending school regularly, or contributing fairly to church and community projects. For example, when members of a * chama * (village savings group) neglect their monthly contributions to save only for personal needs, the group suffers and cannot provide loans for small businesses like buying tomatoes wholesale at the Magongo market. By being responsible—paying contributions on time and participating in community decisions—individuals help ensure the group's success and the wellbeing of all members.