Looking back, I can see where my parents looked to instill responsibility in us from an early age. What I didn’t pay attention to other than it being a chore was a hint to what was to come.
I loved it when I didn’t have to look after much, because it was sorted for me. I loved it. What I noticed getting older was how in all the busyness of life, people didn’t necessarily take responsibility. They either quietly accepted their lot as though they couldn’t do anything about it, or they moaned about their lot but continued as though they couldn’t do anything about it.
There was also the thing about thinking it was someone else’s responsibility. Excuses and passing the buck appeared to be a national sport. The thing was if it was someone else’s responsibility it would end up being no one’s responsibility when everyone should have taken responsibility.
I can almost sympathise with Adam and Eve and their tactic when they got busted. Adam’s buck passing in particular was great. Not my fault, the woman did it … and you gave me that woman … so … errr … what was I supposed to do?
I found myself making similar pathetic excuses when caught in sin. Hey Lord, what am I supposed to do with these feelings you gave me? That Pastor you put in charge was being a jerk again, what did you expect me to do? That beautiful thing you made was there for the taking, did you seriously expect me to just pass it by? Everyone else is living mediocre and accepting mediocrity, why should I be the odd one out?
It was intriguing seeing how quick I’d delegate responsibility for my wrongdoing. Intriguing and sad.
The growing pain here was stopping with the blame game. And start looking for what I can do and what I am to do in the given situation.
Taking responsibility starts with appreciating the ability to respond. We can respond because the someone who calls us equips us to respond. If we cannot respond then we pray for one who can and focus on what we are called to respond to.
That’s a pain because all of a sudden we have to spend energy in just doing my bit rather than join others in criticising others for not doing theirs. Now I can’t blame my parents for not bringing me up right, I can’t blame the church for not being good enough, I can’t blame the government or school or the economy. No room for blame.
Every room to look to the one that calls us and walk hand in hand with Him to respond in a way pleasing to Him.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 