But today we have many sources that are teaching IRRESPONSIBILITY. Without often knowing it, parents do it. They do it when they refuse to allow their children to suffer any consequences for their actions. Parents often step in between their children and the consequences that would naturally follow from irresponsible behavior. For example, well meaning, but naïve, parents save their grown children from the consequences of spending too much. These young adults run up credit card debt that begins to overwhelm them. If they can’t pay it they will lose their credit. “Oh, no, we can’t let her/him lose a good credit rating.

There are many young people who sit around and play while their parents support them. The parents pay for their room and board. They allow them to continue in irresponsible behavior without working or paying their way in life. Parents who do such things are actually teaching them to be irresponsible.

The mental health professions also teach irresponsibility when they excuse people from the consequences of their behavior on the grounds that their background and childhood was difficult. “They were abused as children.” “They didn’t have good parents.” “His mother was a drunk.”

We all know people who have had very difficult childhoods but whose actions and behaviors were socially responsible. We cannot excuse people from the consequences of bad behavior because they were hurt in early childhood.

There’s a general attitude in our society that we don’t have to be responsible. There are people who borrow things from friends or relatives, then bring them back damaged or broken. They do not offer either to fix them or pay for them! There are people who borrow money from others and feel no obligation to pay it back. There are those who lose something belonging to another and simply do not replace it. This is irresponsible behavior!

When your or my actions cause harm to another, we are responsible!

The legal professions and insurance companies teach irresponsible behavior. “Don’t confess or admit fault” (even if it is your fault), they tell us. Why, so you won’t get sued. So, if your employer or supervisor wrongs you, you are not likely to get an apology because that would be to admit s/he was wrong. You might sue.

There are many Biblical principles that show that in the end we will all have to stand responsible for our actions, words and thoughts. Romans 14:12 tells us that each one of us will give account of himself to God. Jesus said that we shall give account for every idle word (Matt.12: 36).

Ministers must give account of their leadership in the congregation. Therefore, the Brethren are asked to cooperate and obey them in their capacities in the congregation. The phrase “rule over” is better translated “those who lead” (Heb. 13:17 NAS).

Those who live licentiously will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead for their bad behavior (1Pet. 4:5). In our next Sabbath Thoughts we’ll give more examples right out of God’s statutes and laws about responsibility.

This will be our last Sabbath Thoughts until after the Feast. Please stay safe and healthy as you rejoice and worship our Father and His Son!

David L. Antion