BULLETIN 19 -PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
This is one of the most difficult accomplishments in life, I certainly believe it to be so, but here it can only be discussed briefly. In looking back on some historic life failings, not only my own, it has been said that throughout the world, personal responsibility has rather poor traction. Some people are impulsive, take drugs and others just disregard cause and effect. Unsatisfactory companionship and worldly values can make children vulnerable to offending. During my time as a Graduate Welfare Officer, attending children's courts on a regular basis, this lesson was significant in dealing with offenders. Some of them could never reach the point of becoming an honourable citizen in adulthood because of poor behaviour and examples in their lives. We can also look at older, intelligent people, for a lack of personal responsibility, indeed some outstanding world leaders such as President Vladimir Putin. He often affirms an allegiance to the Russian Orthodox Church, and I do believe it to be true. Yet he pointedly says that he 'never forgives'.
So in effect he abrogates a formost Christian principle- and denies it for political reasons- surely a great failing as God is the real ruler of the world and not humans as often assumed. We have to ask ourselves some pertinent questions. Which depths of my life have helped me to reconnect with God? How did it enable me to bear personal responsibility? Do you think that faith helps one in adversity? See Psalm 138.A common problem in today's society is that many children grow up failing to grasp the obedience to law that parents try to teach them, that is in many instances. Sometimes mixed messages are received that result in behaviour that is going in the wrong direction and then kids fail to turn back before offending seriously and potentially ruining their future lives.Frequently such parents have had a poor grounding, or none in the scriptures and values, so they are handicapped in teaching their children the positive behaviors that are needed. There is the other problem of licence to freedom for some children. That limits their capacity to be discerning. And it can come with disrespect for or discouragement of Christianity (a form of Ethics) that needs discipline. Australia is not really a Christian country in spite of this being assumed. Children must begin learning early, an important message in raising children and it needs repeating.The remarkable thing is that many people regard our culture as one of entitlement more than striving for achievement, that is less personal responsibility is considered - which is selfish.Living with guilt is destructive, and Christians know that one can be released from it through the Lord's action provided the sinner comes forward in humility and passionately wants forgiveness.Jesus said: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and are carrying a heavy burden, and I will give you rest -Matthew 11:28.
Our short prayer could be: Loving God, in your presence, YOU and I know my needs. Please strengthen and encourage me in all that is acceptable in your sight. I pray for your forgiveness of all my sins.
AMEN.
Blessings
srd