Responsibility
1 John 1:8-9 - If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving
ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our
sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I’m sure you heard a few years ago about the man that sued a fast-food restaurant because he holds
them responsible for his weight gain. He seemed to conveniently overlook the fact that what he ate, and how much,
were no one's decision but his own.
Also involving fast food… the woman that sued McDonald’s (AND WON) because she spilled her coffee
and burned herself… HOT coffee… imagine that!
A woman flees the police at a high rate of speed, with three children in the car.
For all they know, the children have been kidnapped. There is a horrible accident and an innocent
bystander is killed. The police are blamed, and for sure, they have to be judicious about chases. But somehow the
media hones in on chase policies, and barely mentions that the woman, who turned out to have thirty stolen credit
cards, was endangering her children and holds a share of the responsibility.
Whatever happened to personal responsibility? As the verse I read shows, God holds each of us
accountable for our own sins. It's easier to blame it on someone else. Then we don't have to do anything about it,
and who knows -- maybe we can even earn a few bucks out of the whole deal! But we can't restore
our relationship with God that way.
As verse 9 reminds us, we also need to confess our sins. But God doesn't give us a "carte blanche"
forgiveness policy. We have to truly be repentant. Sometimes we are sorry for being caught, or sorry for the consequences
of our sins. But are we truly sorry that we sinned against God or hurt someone?
The woman with the coffee won her lawsuit -- and it's not without precedent.
But she's not going to learn what she needs to. She's not going to grow into the person God wants
her to be, nor will she overcome her problem -- if she isn't willing to accept her own part.
I have nothing against overweight people; I have struggled with weight at times, myself, and
I know weight loss can be arduous! But I would never blame my favorite restaurant, as no one held a gun to my head
and forced me to eat a double quarter pounder with cheese and large fries.
If we are going to mature as Christians, we need to accept our own responsibilities for our sins
and mistakes. Not only is it the godly thing to do; it's "for our own good."
Playing the "Blame Game" is counterproductive to problem-solving. If a parent blames his children for his
abusive anger outbursts, he isn't going to tame his temper. If a woman blames her family for her speeding (they were
running behind and she had to rush), she will likely get more tickets in the future - and it won't help her in court,
either.
It's easier to blame someone else. It is painful to admit we are responsible for mistakes
(especially costly ones); it is for me! But we won't be "the best we can be" until we
do that.
-Pastor
Chris
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