Greetings,
I pray this message finds you and your family well and that God has blessed you. This message is somewhat mixed. Mixed because I as usual will provide you with the Scriptures as God provided them to me to write about, but also thoughts I have wrestled with dealing with society, family issues, and most of all, myself.
I have struggled with maintaining the fervor in preparing these messages, and with who will be the recipient of them. Also, I struggled with should I find other avenues and become more aggressive in using social media, technology and other methods to share this information. Granted, initially I stated that I desired to enhance the level of biblical doctrine and knowledge through exegetical studies for minorities, due to the historical patterns of preachers and churches capitalizing on the emotions of everyday people in need. But, I am keenly aware that God is larger than that and obedience must be first.
Another struggle has been ensuring that I stick with the foundation of God's word and my desire to speak on the constant changing issues I believe are a problem. (Basically, the problem is learning how to remove me from the picture.) With so much happening in the world today, I find it difficult to concentrate and know where to begin. Let's consider social issues such as the recent increase on media focus on police shootings. While I agree and recognize that the loss of life is tragic, I also recognized the perception of racial undertones these incidents have shown. What is odd to me is that while we emphasize the excessive force or possible violations of civil rights, where is the emphasis and emotional distress on personal responsibility? No media interviews, television show, or social media outcry has emphasized on the question, how did this individual come in contact with the police or government official. No one has asked, is it true, the lives and choices we make result in unforseen consequences.
Secondly, let's consider the international issues that are effecting the world. Issues include financial corruption in South America, ebola in Africa, ISIS in Iraq and Syria, Christian persecution both overseas and at home. How do we deal with this? Moreover, how do we get our friends, neighbors and loved ones, to see past ourselves and this everyday need for material idols and the here and now.
I find that sometimes just when I run out of words or can't seem to find the best way to bring God's word to you through the point I'm trying to make, I pray. Sometimes within moments I get a clear picture of His desires. While searching for scriptures to tell the story, I found on "Got Questions.Org", the following answer to the question of personal responsibility. I copied excerpts from the message and I asked that you review the information and consider making comments of your own.
According to "Got Questions.Org"; "We learn that responsibility has its rewards—and irresponsibility has other, less-than-desirable effects. In many ways, the difference between a child and a man is his willingness to take personal responsibility for his actions. As Paul says, “When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me” (1 Corinthians 13:11)."
"The Bible teaches the concept of personal responsibility: “The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them” (Ezekiel 18:20). Personal responsibility is closely related to the law of sowing and reaping(Galatians 6:7–8). “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done” (Isaiah 3:10–11)."
"The commands of the Old Testament were attached to blessings for obedience and penalties for disobedience; in other words, the Law emphasized the responsibility of individuals to respond in morally appropriate ways to God’s revealed truth. God clearly defined right and wrong, and His people were expected to do what was right. This has been the case ever since the Garden of Eden, when Adam was given a specific command and expected to obey it. Later, Adam’s son Cain was warned by God that he would be held personally responsible for his actions (Genesis 4:7)."
"The Bible expects us to take personal responsibility in all areas of life. Able-bodied people should work for their food. “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Men are to take responsibility for providing for their households (1 Timothy 5:8)."
"At times, people try to avoid personal responsibility, usually through blame-shifting. Adam tried to blame Eve for his sin (Genesis 3:12). Cain tried to dodge responsibility (Genesis 4:9). Pilate attempted to absolve his guilt in the matter of the crucifixion of Christ: “‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’” (Matthew 27:24). Ultimately, attempts to pass the buck are futile. “You may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23)."
"Each one of us has the personal responsibility to “repent and believe the good news” (Mark 1:15) and then to glorify the Lord with good works (Ephesians 2:10). “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12). Those who choose to reject the truth of God “are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). We cannot evade our personal responsibility to exercise faith in Christ."
Prayerfully, we all consider the consequences of being apart from God. I humbly ask that if you have not accepted Christ as your personal Savior, that you reconsider. No one knows what tomorrow may bring, but with Christ you have assurance that you will live forever.
May God richly bless you.
Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/personal-responsibility.html#ixzz3XuUKVwbQ
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