Counsel #21 — Adopt Responsibility

Picture: Counsel #21 — Adopt ResponsibilityCCW 37.1

In a world where, as Thomas Sowell noted, “nobody is responsible for what they did,” we are somehow all held accountable for the actions of others.CCW 37.2

Politicians take credit when it suits them and blame others for catastrophes; mega-corporations claim to be pushing the boundaries of innovation, but infringe upon the privacy of their customers. The world loves to dodge responsibility. But Jesus calls on you to be different, an honest man or woman, a responsible disciple. When we refuse to “own our stuff” we cut ourselves off from God; disallowing Him to restore His image in us. And thus we continue the endless cycle of misrepresenting His character.^{[53]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/to-him-who-overcomes/}CCW 37.3

“If your right eye makes you sin, take it out and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:29, 30 ERVCCW 37.4

“Humble your heart before God. Then, your eyes being opened, you will no longer stand on the negative side…. Cut away your defective attributes, however painful to human nature it may be to do this.” Ellen White in Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, p. 44CCW 37.5

Reflect: Do you struggle with acknowledging when you are at fault?CCW 37.6