Responsibility
One of the most simple and used excuses in society today is: “he did it too.” Humans like to justify their own actions by basing them on the actions of others. This is very evident in children, but adults are also guilty, because some adults still act like children. How is it okay to refuse to take responsibility for yourself? This is a mindset that you need to escape if you want to impact people. Just because someone else does something doesn’t mean its okay for you to do it.
I understand that people can have a great impact on other people, whether it’s for the better or for the worse. When people inspire each other it causes lives to change, and that can be a great thing. However, we have to remember that it is our choice to be impacted by others or not. You make your own decisions in life. You can’t just blame what you do on other people; you have to take responsibility for yourself. It’s a simple principle that a lot of people understand, but few have internalized.
Let me give an example. Let’s say George Washington is a character that you really admire. He’s a role model for you, so you begin an attempt to internalize his characteristics. You learn about his courage and as a result, you become braver in your own life. You learn about his integrity, and you start to make changes in your life by telling the truth more often and becoming a more honest person. Then one day, you learn that Washington chopped down a cherry tree without permission. So, you begin to travel around your neighborhood, chopping down trees. Consequences come as a result of this, but you continue to refuse responsibility. “It’s George Washington’s fault!” you cry, “He inspired me to do it!”
Obviously this is an extreme example (Washington probably didn’t even chop down a cherry tree), but my point is that we are the ones that choose how to respond to what happens to us and to the knowledge we gain. Jesus gave a great example of this when we said, “But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Just because someone hits you doesn’t mean you have the right to hit them back.
When evil is done to you, it is not okay to respond with evil. The choices that others make should never change your personal morals and values. You make your own choices, and you need to take responsibility for those choices. A better world would be if all men took responsibility.
I understand that people can have a great impact on other people, whether it’s for the better or for the worse. When people inspire each other it causes lives to change, and that can be a great thing. However, we have to remember that it is our choice to be impacted by others or not. You make your own decisions in life. You can’t just blame what you do on other people; you have to take responsibility for yourself. It’s a simple principle that a lot of people understand, but few have internalized.
Let me give an example. Let’s say George Washington is a character that you really admire. He’s a role model for you, so you begin an attempt to internalize his characteristics. You learn about his courage and as a result, you become braver in your own life. You learn about his integrity, and you start to make changes in your life by telling the truth more often and becoming a more honest person. Then one day, you learn that Washington chopped down a cherry tree without permission. So, you begin to travel around your neighborhood, chopping down trees. Consequences come as a result of this, but you continue to refuse responsibility. “It’s George Washington’s fault!” you cry, “He inspired me to do it!”
 |
| Too many people blame others for their faults |
Obviously this is an extreme example (Washington probably didn’t even chop down a cherry tree), but my point is that we are the ones that choose how to respond to what happens to us and to the knowledge we gain. Jesus gave a great example of this when we said, “But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Just because someone hits you doesn’t mean you have the right to hit them back.
When evil is done to you, it is not okay to respond with evil. The choices that others make should never change your personal morals and values. You make your own choices, and you need to take responsibility for those choices. A better world would be if all men took responsibility.
Responsibility
Reviewed by IJ Pack
on
12:30 PM
Rating:
Reviewed by IJ Pack
on
12:30 PM
Rating:
No comments