Personal Responsibility

What does the Bible say about responsibility for my own actions?

God’s Response

It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it. Genesis 3:12

Instead of hurting [Joseph], let’s sell him to those Ishmaelite traders. Genesis 37:27

[Pilate] sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” Matthew 27:24

It seems that no one wants to take responsibility for their actions; it’s never our fault. But this is nothing new, as these Bible stories point out. Adam tried to put the blame on Eve; Joseph’s brothers put the blame on the traders; Pilate washed his hands of Jesus’ death. In the end, each person is responsible for his or her own decisions, behavior, and relationships. You are accountable to others and to the laws of society, but ultimately you are responsible to God. Don’t try to pass the buck, but take responsibility for what you do. It will enhance your reputation before God and others.

This Is Promising

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7