Andy Stanley - Taking Responsibility for Your Life Participants Guide: Because Nobody Else Will

by Andy Stanley

When my kids were much younger, and Id see wet towels they had left lying on the floor, sometimes I would stand by the towels and call for the kids. When they came, Id calmly say, Id like you to say this to me: Dad, please pick up my towel and hang it up for me in the bathroom, because I was too lazy to do it myself.

Now Im not suggesting you do that with your kids; this video series isnt about parenting. Who knows, the experts might even say that what I did was pretty weak as far as healthy parenting goes. I guess time will tell.

But I just wanted to help my kids get a clearer picture of responsibility. I wanted to help them grasp the concept that being irresponsible isnt just a personal matter; it impacts anybody and everybody whos connected to us.

Nothing Neutral About It

Irresponsibility is not a neutral thing; it isnt something that just sits on the floor and can be ignored.

When we shirk our responsibilities, in essence were expecting other people to carry the burden of the messes or the chaos that weve created. Thats just the built-in nature and dynamics of irresponsibility.

Whats worse, irresponsibility is contagious, especially when we see other people who seem to be getting away with it.

The Fulfillment You Were Made For

But you know, responsibility has its own built-in nature and dynamics as well, and theyre awesome. The fact is, we were made for responsibility. And were actually the most fulfilled when our lives are filled with it and were being faithful to those obligations.

Think about it. When you have something important to do, and youre doing a good job at it, dont you just feel better about yourself? For example, one of the most encouraging things a mother can hear is her husband saying, You know, honey, youre an incredible mother to our kids!

Its also why its such a struggle for a family guy to be out of work. Its agonizing, its depressing, and it drives him crazybecause he wants to faithfully fulfill the responsibility that he knows is his.

We all feel better when were doing thatand we were designed to feel that way. Its just the way God wired us. Again, he created us to be responsible, and were all happiest and most fulfilled when were doing a good job at that.

I can say Ive never met an irresponsible person whos happy. Ive met plenty who can make an incredible case for its not my fault. But even after they make their cases, there are no smiles on their faces.

Lots of Questions

So it makes you wonder: Where does our tendency toward irresponsibility come from? Irresponsibility seems to be running rampant in our culturewhy is that?

Whats our responsibility toward the irresponsible? It just doesnt seem fair that their negligence or carelessness should bring a burden on those around them. Is there anything we can do about that?

And what help should we expect from God on this issue? Can we honestly expect him to cover for us when weve been irresponsible? Is it wrong to pray for his help in cleaning up the messes weve made?

Moving Forward

Responsibilities we all have them. But we dont always take them as seriously as we should.

Wouldnt it be great if we really took responsibility for the things were responsible for? Its time to stop pointing fingers and making excuses. Its time to take out the ir in irresponsibility. Lets find out how.

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