Too many people feel they are somehow entitled to have the right and privilege
of success without doing anything. But we cannot obtain anything in life apart
from our obedience to God.
Being responsible means being intentional, and that means being active in
what you're passionate about. Jesus encouraged people to stay active in things
that would prepare them for their future.
Being active in studying God's Word will help us to become more responsible.
We cannot do what is right if we do not know what is right. If you have been
doing nothing much to help yourself or other people, then get up and get going
because the longer you do nothing the less you will want to do.
them are actions such as praying, reading the Word, being a blessing to one
another, working with our hands, minding our own business, not gossiping,
judging or criticizing. We are encouraged to forgive, refuse to be offended and
reject resentment or bitterness. We are certainly taught to be responsible,
active and to do our part in every way we can. The more active we are in obeying
God, the more our joy and peace increase.
Unfortunately, I observe that many people do not accept responsibility for
what they do or acknowledge that their life's outcome depends on their actions.
I was once somewhat like that. I spent years feeling sorry for myself, but I was
really just avoiding responsibility. Although it is easier to follow our
feelings, it takes spiritual maturity to do what Jesus would do in every
situation. He certainly would not waste His time feeling sorry for Himself.
He didn't feel sorry for Himself when Peter denied Him or when Judas betrayed
Him. He did not feel sorry for Himself when His brothers were ashamed of Him or
when His disciples disappointed Him in His most difficult time. Jesus continued
being responsible for what God had called Him to do, and He kept His eye on
that, even when others walked away.
When life or people disappoint us, we have a responsibility to remain stable
and continue with God's purpose for our lives. We will not be held responsible
for what other people do, but we will be held responsible for ourselves. I
certainly don't want to stand before God and be asked why I wasted my time in
self-pity.
I encourage you to take responsibility for your emotional responses to life.
Even if your emotions want to sink, you can call on God to lift you up. He will
give you the strength to remain stable.
The Bible reminds us that, “Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the
man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, that
you may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the
[inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked” (Ps. 94:12-13, The
Amplified Bible).
This Scripture does not say that God keeps us calm. It says He gives us power
to keep ourselves calm. We are partners with God. His part is to give us ability
and our part is to be responsible.
Responsibility means to respond to the ability we have. An irresponsible
person wants God to do everything while he does nothing except follow his
feelings. You should declare out loud right now, “I have attended my last pity
party.” I can promise you in the end you will feel much better about yourself if
you take responsibility than if you avoid it.
Life isn't always fair, but God is. The reason you must take responsibility
for the outcome of your life is that nobody cares about your life like you do.
Of course God cares, but He won't do your part. He enables you to do it, but
let me emphasize that He won't do it for you! I dare you to stand firm, take
responsibility and begin working with God to have the best life you can have.
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