Just a Thought: The most responsible thing we can do is take personal responsibility for ourselves. If you want to be in charge, start with yourself. If you want to show others you are a responsible person, take charge of your own life and actions. Throughout our lives the Lord will entrust positions and times to us where we are the ones responsible. But, from the first day we begin making personal decisions for ourselves, we are responsible for us. We are responsible for what we will do with Jesus individually. We are responsible for setting the course of our own lives. As one saying goes, “You are free to make your own choices. But you’ll never be free of their consequences.” Choices have consequences. Sometimes we feel like we make the choices but, in the end, our choices make us. So, be careful to examine your motives. Be cautious of your methods. And weigh your options carefully. Because every decision matters. Every action has a reaction. And frankly, you are in charge. Some people live with regrets of the choices they have made and paths these have led them down. But the past is behind us and we cannot change it. If you have made some bad choices and taken some wrong roads, the first step to getting back on track is to admit it. Own it. And determine to make different choices, right choices that will take you in a different direction. Today is a fresh start. But, of all the choices, decisions and directions you may choose, let me caution you to start with your decision to trust in Jesus as your personal savior and Lord. And, then as you face those choices before you, seek first His kingdom ways and wisdom. Because, while all of our choices have consequences, the choices we make about Jesus have eternal consequences. The Apostle Paul reminds us, one day we will answer to the Lord, and we will have to take and we will be held to personal responsibility before the Lord. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Gal 6:7-9) The most responsible thing we can do is take personal responsibility for ourselves. And that begins and ends with our personal decision about what relationship we will or will not have with the Lord.
