TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

A beloved Amish proverb is a clarion 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!  Agree?  But finger-pointing is neither a comely, polite, nor 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 upward to God.’

Life experiences teach us that people are certainly capable of causing pain, pressure, or problems.  But I have a suggested solution, one that might seem somewhat cynical at first glance, but represents a more practical response to the offenses 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 have PERMANENT IMPACT…unless WE allow it to become so.  Therefore, any decision to repeatedly rehearse the offense of another, that is to hold tenaciously to an angry or unforgiving spirit, is much more detrimental to us than it is to anyone else.

So why not take personal responsibility?  IT’S THE HEALTHY CHOICE.  Frequently, I pray alone to our Lord, asking Him to reveal my character flaws, unconscious errors, inconsistencies, and/or misconceptions.  This enables me to SEE MYSELF more clearly and to move forward 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 and unconditional love.

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

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