“Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil,
and I put a stumbling-block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin.
The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.”
“Who Is Responsible” by Wynn Cameron Thompson
Seems like the more I hear many people talk the more I hear excuses. I for one am one of those people. At least I use to be. “It’s not my fault…because my mom or dad or someone else did this or that I’m the way I am today”. It seems to always be someone or something else’s fault. Why is it we have so much resistance taking responsibility for our own decisions and choices? I guess for a while it makes us ‘feel better’. Of course it never lasts.
It’s true, there are many things that have happened ‘to us’ as we were growing up. And in those cases it is never the child’s responsibility or fault. I think the words “fault” and “blame” are so negative that we run from the shame they produce. The bottom line is “who is responsible for what”?
God makes it very clear in Ezekiel 18:30 that everyone is responsible for themselves. “…I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offences; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offences you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit…“
Each of us are responsible for our own decisions, choices and actions. We must stop blaming others for our choices. If you are of the age of accountability (old enough to know right from wrong) we must take on the consequences of our own actions. We can’t be forgiven for what others have done to or against us. We can however receive forgiveness and forgive our selves for choices. Consequences go both ways. There are positive and negative ones…it all depends on us. Since Jesus died for all mankind, we have a way to “rid ourselves”. Taking ownership, repenting (turning and walking the other way) is a good and healthy choice. Our Father’s mercies are new every morning…make a quality choice today and everyday.