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The word "responsibility" is not in the Bible, neither is the word "obligation." However,
the concept fills the Bible. Ezekiel taught, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The
son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity
of the son..." (Ezekiel 18:20). Paul also taught that we have obligations, "For we
must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive
the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad"
(2 Cor. 5:10 ASV). Every Bible command, every Bible charge and every duty recorded in
Scripture indicates someone's responsibility.
Failure to accept blame for one's actions permeates our society. "In February of last year, a criminal that was wanted in Florida ran from police and hid in the woods of Maine. After spending at least three nights in the outdoors, he got frostbite and lost a few toes. What makes this story interesting is that, following his arrest, he threatened to sue the detective for not having arrested him promptly" (Mary Anne Lagasse, "Flight from law leads to frostbite, threat of lawsuit", Bangor Daily News, Feb. 27, 2002 as reported on overlawyered.com). We are not surprised when bad men fail to accept their responsibilities. Because of political pressure, Pilate sought to wash his hands of his appointment as the judge of justice and fairness (Matt. 27:24). Even good men fall prey to this deadly neglect and seek to pass the buck. Aaron blamed his failure upon the people (Ex. 32:22-24). Avoiding one's responsibilities is not new. It started in the Garden (Gen. 3). Adam blamed God for giving him the woman, and the woman blamed the serpent. Lack of courage and acknowledgment of wrongdoing will not go unnoticed by God. He will hold each of us accountable for our actions (Matt. 16:24-27), our words (Matt. 12:34-37), our very thoughts (Jer. 17:10; Matt. 5:27-28), and the way we treat others (Prov. 24:11-12; Ezek. 33:2-7). Not all debts and recompense for evil are in this life (Rom. 2:4-8). Though it may appear that men can avoid the dire consequences when they fail in their God-given charge, the end results are not always visible or immediate. Pilate's neglect cost Jesus His life. Aaron's neglect prevented him from entering into the beautiful land of promise. Though we are not guilty of Adam's sin, when Adam shoved his responsibility to the side, sin and death entered into the world (Rom. 5:12). Only our own sins will separate us from God (Isa. 59:1-2). And after death, that separation will be for an eternity. What are our obligations to God? Search the Scriptures, for in them ye have eternal life. |