Last week I listened to a message that not only got my attention but made me stop and rethink some things. It was from Rick Warren and was a message about taking responsibility. Honestly it was a powerful word for me.
Warren stated that in the book of Proverbs there are more than 65 places where God tells us what a fool acts like. I chose not to be a fool. I choose to be wise and strong.
This message fit what I was sharing about in our series called “what victory looks like”. I shared about setting goals and how that will help us get to the final victory as we achieve victories along the way. That is the reason why Warren’s message and the one I shared intersect.
Here are some notes from Rick Warren’s message about responsibility.
1. responsible people save money
But a a fool doesn’t save. A wise person will save money. As Americans we are part of a culture that values spending and debt over savings. That is not a good a good thing. We ought to be people who tithe or give as well as save our money
Proverbs 21:20 LIVING BIBLE
The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.
It is time to change our spending and begin saving. Stop thinking about the here and now and our pleasure. Start thinking about being self sufficient and prepared for the future.
Ecclesiastes 7:4 NLT
A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.
2. responsible people control their reactions
We live in a society that responds all the time and mostly in negative ways. Take note how you respond. Are we being like Jesus? Too often we are offended and get our feelings hurt. Control your actions showing people great character
Proverbs 29:11 NLT
Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.
We are accountable for all we say and do. That is a big one. That is a tough one. Be careful how you respond.
Matthew 12:36 NLT
And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.
Another point is to make sure our lives are pointed toward what is best. Instead of letting evil stay on top push for good. Help others see and hold on to what is good.
Romans 12:21 NLT
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
3. responsible people seek truth
The Bible is the best source of truth. So find the source of truth, and hold on to it. Find where you stand in truth and see how God will use you and use His truth to change you and others. This world hungers for truth. May you and I be hungry for what matters.
Proverbs 15:14 NLT
A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
4. responsible people own their mistakes
Stand on truth. That means confess when you mess up and move on.
Proverbs 28:13 LIVING BIBLE
A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.
So how do most people around us deal with mistakes? We others. But great character doesn’t blame anyone other than yourself.
Hosea 4:4 NLT
Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame! My complaint, you priests, is with you.
May God help you and I be people who are extremely responsible. This might change our lives. It will change the lives of people around us as we an example to follow. Being more like Jesus is something helps us find victory each and every day!
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