Responsibility & Blame
Each of us wears the distinguished robe of guardian at some time in our lives. Responsibility is the lost key we fumble for in the darkness, the key for the courage to place another’s well being ahead of our own. I am not speaking of throwing our body’s in front of a sword, for each of us may determine the merits of such acts on our own. I’m speaking of the good Samaritan. Those moments when we accept responsibility for another who is or has become incapable of being responsible for themselves. The weight of this role and action is a heavy burden, but not nearly as heavy as the weight of carrying the consequences of failure from our effort, in the light of many following days. For those of good conscience, the burdens resulting from letting others down are enormous. We willingly put ourselves into positions where others depend on us, often without giving careful consideration to our own plight should we fail. We enjoy being in charge but we shy away from being responsible. People have expectations for each other, which leads to failures. Failures are human, unfortunately so is blame. It is the blame we fear more than the failure. Jesus asked, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36, 37 NIV). There were no waivers, no releases, no transfers of responsibility in this directive, just instructive teaching. Worrying about how we might shoulder the blame of failure for a worthy cause, wasn’t a consideration.
There is a second lesson here which makes the first lesson a no-brainer. It’s about doing the right thing, regardless of cost. “Israel asked, “Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you had another brother?” … (subsequent reply) … “I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life.” (Genesis 43:6, 9 NIV). Although Judah was not directly responsible for the difficult circumstances they faced, he still assumed responsibility, with a full willingness to take the blame if the plan failed. In reality, he presumed that failure would result in his own death and the deaths of others. Acting selflessly, while willingly accepting responsibility for others, with the potential for failure defined and the consequences known, is worthy and “the way” of our God. Blaming others for trying to do good when needed, displays the weaknesses within our own character.
JC Calkins with COMMON SENSE 4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE
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