Date: 4/27/2010
Author: Devin
Title: The Buck Stops Here
April 28, 2010
“The Buck Stops With You”
On his desk in the Oval Office, Harry Truman had a plaque that read, “The Buck Stops Here.” It was and is a statement of personal responsibility and accountability. It is a far cry from the blame and finger pointing that we witness now in politics and most every facet of our lives. I mean, when was the last time you heard a politician, celebrity, coach, CEO, etc., when they were caught in immoral or illegal behavior, simply say, “I made a mistake ..... the fault is my own”?
The same situation exists in spiritual matters. So many times when someone is wandering in a spiritual wilderness they place the blame for their struggle on someone/everyone else. It is far easier to blame the: church, preacher, youth minister, hypocrites, parents, ex-spouse, or one bad experience from days gone by, than it is look deep inside and accept responsibility for your own soul. It is a rare occasion that I have spoken with someone about their apparent diminished interest in spiritual activities that they actually say, “I don’t have an excuse, I have just let my priorities get out of line.”
Maybe it’s in our spiritual genetics. It goes all the way back to the first sin in Genesis 3. When Adam was confronted by God as to why he ate the fruit, he blamed “the woman you gave me.” And when Eve was queried she said, “the devil made me do it.” It is hard to stand before someone of authority and accept responsibility for bad decisions and behavior. Just think how it must have been for Adam and Eve to stand before God and try to pass the buck.
Interestingly enough, we will all have the opportunity to stand before God and accept responsibility for our actions (or lack there of) and our words For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:11). We will stand before the seat of judgment alone, with no one to pass the buck to. I get the sense from reading the Bible that God is not big on listening to excuses. Don’t allow anyone else’s actions or words hinder your spiritual journey. You alone will give account for your soul. (Copied from Bill Perkins, Minister-Central Church of Christ, Athens, Alabama)
When I read this the other morning I thought our good buddy Bill hit the nail right on the head. Its seems that in our culture today the word “responsibility” has become one of those ugly, filthy, unmentionable, “sailor-type” words that you dare not use in mixed company. Let's make it a teaching priority to equip our children and young people with the understanding that in life there are consequences and ramifications for all of our actions, both good and bad. The best way to teach is not by word but by example. Let's get to teaching.
Go the extra mile - Devin