You were so excited for your son’s graduation. You had been saving for several years to surprise him. After graduation you took him car shopping and bought a fantastic car for him. It had come off of a lease and was in amazing condition. Your son was thrilled beyond your wildest hope. Life settled into a new pattern and time passed.

A year later, your son gave you a ride home after you dropped the family car off at the shop for some maintenance. Getting in, you had to clear the convenience store snack packaging from the ketchup-stained seat to make room for yourself. Your heart sank. The car looked clean and smelled nice when you gave it to him. Now it  looked horrible. Well, actually, it was much like his bedroom. Hmm, could there be a connection? The reality of his irresponsibility suddenly became clear.

It might be argued that personal responsibility is the most important character quality for a person. A responsible person accepts ownership of outcomes and the necessity of right decisions. Otherwise they have a myriad of excuses, all of which translates to, “It’s not my fault.”

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

Oh, my brothers, irresponsible children will be a lifelong grief to your heart. They will most likely blame you for their struggles.

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

Oh my brothers, irresponsible children will be a lifelong grieving of your heart, and they will blame you for most of it.