The "blame game" has been going on for many years! It's almost always easier to blame someone or something else when we fall short. "The devil made me do it!" is not an uncommon phrase. Modern psychology has taught people to place the blame on a parent or the circumstances of their upbringing.
At what point do we accept responsibility for OUR OWN SIN?
When does my mistake really become my mistake?
James appropriately wrote, "Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of
HIS OWN LUST..." (James 1:14).
John added a point about Cain when he said "
HIS OWN WORKS WERE EVIL..." (1 John 3:12).
Learning to accept responsibility for our own actions is vital to our personal success in life!
This mindset is important not only in relation to our sin, but it is important when speaking of our
SALVATION! While it may be others that lead a person to Jesus Christ, each individual must make up their own mind whether or not they will serve God.
Acts 26:28 records these words,
"Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."
While Paul could testify and share the Gospel with Agrippa, he didn't have ability to make the decision for him. Only Agrippa could make that call.
The same is true today!
No person has the authority, obligation, or ability to repent on behalf of another. No person can be baptized in another's place.
SALVATION IS PERSONAL!
As Peter admonished the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem on Pentecost, "
SAVE YOURSELVES..." (Acts 2:40).
The Apostle Paul would later write to the church in Philippi, "
WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION..." (Philippians 2:12).
In the words of
Elisha A. Hoffman, the songwriter,
It is mine, mine,
blessed be His name!
He has given peace,
perfect peace to me;
It is mine, mine,
blessed be His name!
Mine for all eternity!
