Solomon gave this warning: “For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly” (Proverbs 5:21-23 NIV).

Points to build on

"He made me do it!" Did you ever hear that from a child? Maybe you've said it yourself.

When we look for someone else to blame for our choices we are being irresponsible. What does it mean to be responsible? To be responsible is to be answerable and accountable for your decisions.

William Bennett in The Book of Virtues states, “In the end we are answerable for the kinds of persons we have made of ourselves. ‘That's just the way I am!’ is not an excuse for inconsiderate or vile behavior. Nor is it even an accurate description, for we are never just what we are...we become what we are as persons by the decisions that we ourselves make…”

The “he made me do it” mentality is an emotional trap that leaves you feeling like a victim and always looking for someone to blame. You can never obtain emotional maturity, or find contentment, until you learn to take responsibility and accept the consequences of your choices.

Application

All actions have consequences. Keep making the same choices and you will end up in the same situations. It is a hallmark of a mature person to take responsibility for personal actions. You can never make positive changes in your life until you are able to analyze the effects of your decisions on yourself and others.