Accepting Responsibility in a World of Excuses

The Text in Context

Bob Utley, "Psalm 51" From the series Psalms: The Hymnal of Israel.

https://bit.ly/2Iu7hTu

Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT

"I pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him."

1. I'll steadfastly refuse…

1. I'll steadfastly refuse to see myself as a victim.

Genesis 2:15-17 NIV

Genesis 3:6-13 NIV

The Rebuke of Adam and Eve (detail), Domenichino (1581-1641). Oil on canvas. National Gallery of Art.

Derek Sivers

Derek Sivers, "Everything Is My Fault" Sivers website. December 9, 2012.

https://bit.ly/2GGmV1x

Jack Canfield on Taking Responsibility

"Most of us have been conditioned to blame something outside of ourselves for the parts of our life we don’t like. We blame our parents, our bosses, our friends, our co-workers, our clients, our spouse, the weather, the economy, our astrological chart, our lack of money—anyone or anything we can pin the blame on. We never want to look at where the real problem is—ourselves." —Jack Canfield, "Taking 100% Responsibility for Your Life" Jack Canfield website.

https://bit.ly/2uxubFC

"You can’t control everything that happens in life. No one can. But you can control how you respond to what happens. That’s on you."

For Reflection/Discussion: How does the story of Adam and Eve address the issue of responsibility? Why is accepting responsibility important? What differences do you see between people who are willing to accept responsibility and those who are not? What are some of the blessings that come from accepting responsibility for our lives? Why do we often prefer to view ourselves as victims? What are your thoughts on Derek Sivers' and Jack Canfield's argument that we are 100% responsible for our lives?

2. I'll thoughtfully respond…

2. I'll thoughtfully respond, not emotionally react.

Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor. His book Man's Search for Meaning chronicles his experiences as a concentration camp inmate, which led him to discover the importance of finding meaning in all forms of existence, even the most brutal ones…. Wikipedia article.

https://bit.ly/2cxel7h

Romans 12:17 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: What is the difference between responding and reacting? In what ways does reacting emotionally to a situation diminish our power and our ability to address it creatively? What strategies have you discovered that give you the emotional distance to respond thoughtfully and calmly to challenging people and situations?

3. I'll honestly admit…

3. I'll honestly admit my sins and mistakes.

Psalms 51:1-10 NIV

King David Playing the Harp (detail), by Gerard van Honthorst, ca. 1622. Oil on canvas

1 John 1:9-10 NIV

What To Do When You've Blown It

1. Own it.

2. Apologize for it.

3. Make things right.

4. Take your medicine.

Matthew 27:3-4 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: Why is confessing and turning from sin required of us as Christians? What blessings come from confession and repentance? What happens if we're unwilling to confess our sins and admit our mistakes? David is remembered as Israel's greatest king despite his many serious sins. What lessons can we learn from his life?

Jesse Hernandez Rescue

"Teen Rescued From L.A. Sewer System Thanks First Responders; City Officials Pledge to Better Secure Pipes" KTLA website, April 6, 2018.

https://bit.ly/2qi6opI

4. I'll faithfully practice…

Galatians 6:2 NIV

Becoming the Me You Want to Be begins with accepting responsibility.

For Reflection/Discussion: What responsibility do Christians have for making the world a better place? What reasons/excuses do we sometimes give for not caring for others? What is the relationship between love and responsibility?