One of the biggest lies of the world is that we are not responsible for our own actions. We are told that it’s our mother’s fault, our employer’s fault, our neighbor’s fault, the government’s fault, and/or society’s fault.
But in Romans 14:12, the Bible clearly indicates who is responsible and accountable for our deeds: “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
We may want or even attempt to shift the blame to others, but there is no escaping the truth: when we point the finger at someone else, there are three fingers pointing back at ourselves.
Throughout my career as a consultant, I have met with many businessmen who were looking everywhere for answers. It was amazing to me how many were anxiously searching for help from other people while they had – between them and God – everything they needed to succeed. They were easily willing to give up control of their vision to others in exchange for money or even companionship. Their mistake was in looking to others instead of God.
This kind of false security invariably leads to imbalanced relationships, which eventually result in destruction of the person and his dream.
Now I believe that God sends people across our path to bless us and help us. But we should be directed by God and be very cautious when entering into any partnership relationship. We must be sure that the reason for the relationship is right; that it is not an attempt to compromise or look for a shortcut.
For every successful partnership, there are hundreds that were disasters. Exercise great caution when affiliating with someone else. In Exodus, God gave Moses some good advice that is applicable to us as Christians today. He said, “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you” (Ex. 34:12 NIV).
I believe that most of the things God wants to teach us, He wants us to learn for ourselves. Mark Twain said, “A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn no other way.”
Decide for yourself. Learn for yourself. Answer for yourself.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing
John Mason is an international bestselling author, minister, publisher, executive author coach, and noted speaker. He’s the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group. Both organizations are dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their God-given destinies.
He has authored thirty-two books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An Original—Don’t Die A Copy, Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop, and Know Your Limits Then Ignore Them which have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 40 different languages throughout the world. His books are widely regarded as a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published twice in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national and international publications. Seven of his books have reached number one on Amazon bestseller lists.
He’s been the president of two Christian publishing companies. He’s also a former Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Publishers (Harper Collins), the 6th largest book publisher in the world and largest Christian publisher.
He’s an internationally recognized executive author coach, helping numerous prominent authors with their books for more than thirty years. Politicians, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLB, an Olympic gold medalist and other professional athletes, billionaires, businesspeople, pastors, ministers, New York Times bestselling authors, a Fortune 500 CEO, Navy SEALs, Top Gun pilots, and a Texas governor have all benefitted from his knowledge.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the US and around the world.