The Heart of Responsibility

January 20, 2009

should be held responsible for the result of their neglect.

If we neglect our responsibilities in our work, our studies, our finances, our parenting and even our relationships, we will be responsible for the results.

One of the greatest character qualities we can equip our children with is RESPONSIBILITY.

•  

  Don’t let them play the blame game. IF YOU MESS UP, FESS UP!

• NEVER make excuses for them. If they hear you justify their bad attitude, their poorly done job, etc… they will pick up on that in a heart beat and use it as much as they can. Not saying that we don’t allow compassion/flexibility when there is sickness or something like that, but don’t voice it and play it down as much as possible. As adults we need to be responsible for our actions and attitudes even on those ‘bad days’… (read in PMS. / )

•  

  Don’t confuse responsibility with perfectionism. This is a matter of discernment. Rarely is a job done perfectly, what you are looking for is a good attitude and progression at doing the job better each time.

Take responsibility for right thinking.
  

•  

  Assuming what others’ motives or thoughts are can get all of us in a heap of trouble. When your child tells you what ‘so-in-so’ said and what they meant by it, be careful to call the FACTS into check, IF it is any of their business to start with. ;o) Most strife begins when we are dealing with things that are none of our business. When we are assuming what someone meant by their words or actions we are becoming the Judge, a responsibility that is not ours. Learn to think on things that are good, right and true.
  

James 1:26

If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion [is] vain.

•  

  When your child is giving a bad report on someone correct them immediately. And as adults we have to set the example for only saying kind things about people. As Jeff is always saying, "If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all."
  

  • 1 Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
    
  • James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion [is] vain. 

Our responsibility in life is more than a ‘job’ well done, it goes into every part of our being, into the deepest part of our heart and every thought.  May we as parents be diligent to truly equip our children for an adult life of loving God and serving others, for THIS is the will of God.

Next will discuss our responsibility in the civil realm.  

Topics: Quotes, Responsibility | No Comments »