My friend’s eyes revealed what I was feeling—fear! We two 13-year-olds had behaved poorly and were now cowering before the camp director. The man, who knew our dads well, raised the decibels as he shouted, “You, the son of Dick Thomas, and you, the son of Ray Felten, how could you have done this?” Needless to say, we wanted to crawl under the table—feeling the weight of personal responsibility for our offense, and having remorse over the shame we had brought to our fathers.
God gave Zephaniah a message for the people of Judah that contained some potent words about personal responsibility for sin (Zephaniah 1:1,6-7). After spending chapter 2 describing the judgments He would bring against Judah’s foes, He turned His eyes squarely on His squirming people in chapter 3. “What sorrow awaits rebellious, polluted Jerusalem!” God proclaimed (Zephaniah 3:1). “[The people] get up early to continue their evil deeds” (Zephaniah 3:7).
He had seen the cold hearts of His people—their spiritual apathy, social injustice, and ugly greed—and He was bringing the “fire” (Zephaniah 3:8). And it didn’t matter if the individuals were “leaders,” “judges,” “prophets”—everyone was guilty before our holy God (Zephaniah 3:3-4).
Now, this account might seem far removed from our day. But consider the reality that each of us is personally responsible for the shame our sin brings to our heavenly Father, those we love, and other believers. As the apostle Paul wrote of those who persist in rebellion against God, “You are storing up terrible judgment for yourself. . . . [God] will judge everyone according to what they have done” (Romans 2:5-6).
In contrast, may we choose to live in a way that honors our holy, loving Father and leads to no remorse.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Colossians 2:1-15
More:
Read 2 Corinthians 5:10 and consider what it says about what lies ahead. Read 1 Peter 5:5-6 and Ephesians 1:7 to see what happens when we humble our hearts and seek God’s grace.
Next:
What comes to mind as you consider personal responsibility for your sin? How can our rebellion and wrong choices bring shame to God and others? What can you do to show genuine repentance for your actions and choices?
gary1schelvan on December 5, 2014 at 3:36 am
Hello Brother Tom,
What an appropriate posting for this day and age, where everyone seems to want to do nothing but shirk personal responsibility for their actions. This behavior is modeled all the way down the ladder from our national leaders to our own actions. Our actions/sins when brought to light, and they will be some day in the open, bring shame and ill repute to the name of Jesus Christ, who died on he cross, giving all He had for us sinners. If we do sin and make mistakes, which we all will do for sure, we need to own up to our wrongdoings, humble ourselves before God and ask His forgiveness. Only then can we move on, following His instructions/guidance.
I’m with you, may we choose to live our lives in a manner that is “a pleasing aroma lifted up to the Lord.”Lives that have meaning and honor God. We must be the light in this world of ever increasing darkness. Shalom
Tom Felten on December 5, 2014 at 8:11 am
Gary, I’m so grateful that God, in His grace, allows us to repent and find forgiveness in Him. As the Holy Spirit works to convict us of our sin, He allows us to experience a godly sorrow that leads to light and life. May we go there with Him today!
gary1schelvan on December 5, 2014 at 8:47 am
Brother Tom,
Amen to what you said. I don’t have enough words to express my profound gratitude to God for His allowing us to repent and be so graciously forgiven of our sins and transgressions. I do so much want to spend the rest of my days here, basking in His holy light and warmth and to share them with others. As one of my favorite pastors, Dr Charles Stanley says, “Obey God and leave all of the consequences to Him.”
Gary Shultz on December 5, 2014 at 7:33 am
Sorry for the Gary thing, it’s not a plot. And although I agree with the first Gary, your blog hits me a little different. I find myself very thankful for the Spirit who stands in that gap pulling us into the light when our natural inclinations would pull us away. Is God not good? To envelop us in plan of love then be able to keep us until the day. See you there.
Tom Felten on December 5, 2014 at 8:13 am
It’s great to have you Garys in the community! 🙂 And, yes, praise God for His goodness as experienced in the presence and work of His Spirit.
Gene on December 5, 2014 at 7:40 am
This is challenging/convicting passage for me. “Surely you will fear me and accept correction…but they were still eager to act corruptly” (Zephaniah 3:7). The battle is already won and God has demolished the strongholds, yet at times I am rebellious. I’m glad He has given us the power to stand up and take responsibility. I do rejoice in verse 17 (Zephaniah 3:17).
Tom Felten on December 5, 2014 at 8:16 am
Gene, I feel the same way. And it reminds me of the spiritual battle going on around me and in my own heart. The words from Zephaniah provide great encouragement to me as well. Our “Mighty Savior” has the power and wisdom to lead us from dark thought and behavior to life abundant and real!