Taking Responsibility

In a culture that sues McDonalds for our own obesity we should not then be surprised that many blame God for their problems. . . . Understand this vital principle — you will never grow in gospel holiness until you acknowledge you alone, not God or anyone else, are responsible for your own sinful behaviour. This may be easy to say but it is very hard to practice daily. Until the alcoholic, for example, stops blaming his wife, friends, childhood trauma, or the devil's tempting influence, then he will never make progress in holiness. Until the man given to outbursts of anger with his wife or children acknowledges that he is the culprit, not the tense circumstances of living with too little money, too little time; then he will make little progress in biblical holiness. Until the man addicted to porn quits blaming his miserable marriage or job, saying he only wants relief and a little pleasure; will he make progress in 'casting out the demon' of decadent passion. This is fundamental to gospel holiness. Quit passing the buck. Quit blaming God, your past, your circumstances, or the devil. I am not saying that these are not present, but you alone are responsible for your sinful actions.

This hard-hitting article by Allen M Baker, pastor of Christ Community Presbyterian Church in West Hartford, Connecticut, is a good note on which to end the week. You can read the whole thing by clicking here.

HT: Banner of Truth