TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

A beloved Amish proverb is my constant call to the practice of personal responsibility and accountability.  It simply says, “Instead of putting others in their place, put yourself in their place.” 

How easy it is to get caught up in the blame game!  Agreed?  But finger-pointing is never a comely, polite, or healthy practice.  My Dad often reminded us: ‘Whenever you point your index finger to condemn others, there are three fingers pointing back at you and one pointing up to God.’

Life experiences teach us that other people are certainly capable of causing pain, pressure, or problems.  But I have a suggested solution, one that might seem cynical at first glance, but represents a more practical response to the offense of others.  When you ‘feel’ a certain way about something someone has done, silently ask yourself this question: “SO WHAT?”  After all, when we net it all out, there are relatively few things others can do that will have lifelong impact…unless WE allow it to become so.  Therefore, any decision to repeatedly rehearse the offenses of others, i.e. to hold tenaciously to an angry or unforgiving spirit, is much more detrimental to ourselves than it is to others.

So why not take personal responsibility?  It’s a healthy choice.  Frequently, I pray alone to our Lord, asking Him to reveal my flaws, errors, inconsistencies, or misconceptions.  This enables me to see MYSELF more clearly and to move on with my life – even while I am aware that someone may have acted in a way that is intentionally damaging or deceitful.

This personal choice informs and instructs me.

This personal choice motivates and mobilizes me.

This personal choice favors and frees me.

This personal choice empowers me to embrace the marvelous journey that my Creator has designed – with a purposeful commitment to passion, purity, power, reconciliation and agape.

All of us are responsible for our own attitudes and actions. Admittedly, we will encounter challenging moments-of-decision, but we will opt for the proactive and peaceful quest for understanding and forgiveness. We choose to walk a mile in the shoes of others. We choose acceptance. We choose unconditional love.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!