Question:  Is taking responsibility for one’s actions a thing of the past?

Answer:  It’s easy to see how you would think that, especially if you keep up with current news stories.  From the famous to the average guy, we hear of incident after incident of people being caught doing wrong and then, putting the blame on something or someone else for causing them to do what they did.  For example, we might hear of some people who blame stealing done by young people on the fact that they do it because they come from a dysfunctional home or they are poor.  However, we know plenty of poor people who do not steal from others.  My own family didn’t have a lot of money when I was growing up.  Yet, I wouldn’t have thought of stealing other people’s things.  My mother raised me by the biblical teaching that stealing is a sin.  I can’t imagine doing anything like that as a teenager and having to face my mother.

I think making excuses actually encourages these young people to steal.  They know that they are more likely to get away with their wrongdoing or just get a “slap on the wrist” type of punishment.  I also believe this is why we have seen a big increase in such mass mischief as “flash robs.”   Not to be confused with the “flash mobs” who might meet up at a mall to sing a beautiful song, “flash robs” are different.  “Flash robs” happen when large  groups of young people decide to descend on a place of business and, within a few minutes, steal as much merchandise from the business as possible.  They don’t seem to care about being seen by security cameras or being caught by the police.  Some involved might even record their “adventure” and put it on YouTube.  Check out this example of a “flash rob”: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Flash-Mob-Knocks-Over-Silver-Spring-7-Eleven-134286103.html .  Plus, here’s another example:  http://www.kare11.com/news/article/969867/14/Flash-robs-hit-downtown-Minneapolis.  These are just two of many examples of “flash robs” happening in various parts of the United States.

While I don’t know for sure, I’d venture to guess that if some of these young people were caught and faced real prison time, they would start making excuses for their actions (or their lawyers would).  I would be very surprised if they said , “Yes, judge, I stole those things, and I accept my punishment.”  I believe it’s more likely they would say, “It’s not my fault!”  Still, I pray that we all set the right example for our young people and let them see us accepting responsibility for our actions.  Remember Psalm 37: 27-28, “Depart from evil, and do good;  And dwell forevermore.  For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His saints…” (NKJV)

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family    http://www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries  http://www.crown.org

Christian Broadcasting Network   http://www.cbn.com

World Magazine    http://www.worldmag.com