Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
“The devil made me do it.” That is a popular expression some use to attempt to relieve themselves of responsibility for their actions. Of course, no one “makes” us do anything – we are all responsible for our actions and cannot blame anyone else for what we do or don’t do. The Apostle Paul speaks to this when he writes, “a man reaps what he sows.” Our actions always bring consequences (good or bad) and no excuse can change this fact. But if we assume responsibility for our actions and live as God has called us to live no matter what others may do, we will then reap a “harvest” of blessing.
Dr. Gary Smalley writes in his book, The DNA of Relationships, about how taking responsibility for one’s actions also improves our relationships with others: Take control of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Whenever you focus your attention on what the other person is doing, you take away your own power. You make yourself weak. In focusing on the other, you try to control things you can’t control. For that reason it’s an exercise in total futility, inefficiency, and ineffectiveness. How much better to have some say in the matter! How much more effective to take control of something you can actually control! When you focus on yourself rather than on the other person, you vastly increase your odds of being able to enjoy some impact and influence over the relationship problem that bothers you.
This coming Sunday we will discuss how we can take better responsibility for our actions by controlling our feelings, looking to God for ultimate contentment and utilizing forgiveness in our relationships as we continue the sermon series, “The DNA of Relationships.” Hope to see you then!
