The Issue of Personal Responsibility

God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. -I Corinthians 1:9


The question is how can I encourage others to daily fellowship with Christ when I am embittered, irritable, rude, and hateful? Any attempt at leading others to Christ will be hindered if this describes my condition. The responsibility of getting up and joining the party rests completely with me. If I choose to sit back and remain in a sullen and bitter mind-set, then I have no one to blame but myself. With God’s help, a decision must be made to rise up and start enjoying life. Having done that, we can then begin to reap the benefits of the happiness and joy which follows such an effort.

Contemplating this leads to an inevitable conclusion. There is one person in the world who is responsible for your happiness: you. We can choose to avoid the party and blame others or our circumstances for our unhappy states, but ultimately we must claim responsibility for our feelings. No one will force us to come to the party. Once the invitation is sent, a positive response is required.

No matter how difficult life has been and no matter how many times failure has occurred, remember that positive change is possible. Have you been inattentive to the needs of your spouse? Then start today by being more open and willing to communicate in a patient and loving manner. Have you been a poor example for your children? Then make a commitment that from this day forward you will begin to be the kind of mother or father that your children can emulate. Have you been a halfhearted and undisciplined employee at your job? Make a promise that from now on you will be a model of efficiency and dedication at your place of business. Are you typically grouchy, irritable, and hard to be around? Make a conscious decision to be kinder and more considerate of others. The examples of improving negative behavior are endless. Once these positive steps are taken, you will find that the blessings that result from them are uplifting and energizing. Start living again. Come to the party and join in.

(From, "The Invitation: Embracing a Happier Life, " by Dan Birchfield, copyright 2009)