Taking Responsibility – Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses.
Most of us bristle under reproach, even when our missteps have provoked and inconvenienced another. Our wounded pride rises, readies us for battle, but if we will humble ourselves, obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit, He will guide us onto a path of honor.[1] If we will exercise wisdom, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit will be soothing balm to those whom we have offended or injured.[2]
By remaining composed and taking responsibility for our actions, settling the affair quickly before it gets out of hand, we can typically keep the situation from escalating and causing serious difficulties.[3] As we deny our natures their natural response to counterattack[4] or to shift the blame, as did Adam in accounting for his disobedience to the Lord by making his wife the culprit,[5] we demonstrate maturity and grace. Though extenuating circumstances and others’ participation may help explain the cause of the problem or mitigate our share in it, this may only try the patience of one already offended. Accepting our part in the situation while seeking forgiveness and offering to do whatever is feasible to correct the damage is far more profitable than excuses and denials, and such conduct will reward us as we watch tension dissipate and the breech heal.[6]
Soothing words, willingness to come to agreeable terms would be manipulation were our motive solely to assuage the anger of those we have injured and to get out of a nasty predicament. However, when conciliation comes from a sincere heart, a heart willing to recognize its mistakes and seek forgiveness from those affected by them, our behavior is wise and beneficial. Further, it honors Christ, since it reflects a confidence possible only in those who, knowing the love of God, trust Him enough to stand in the truth even when it is unflattering to their egos or costly to their pocketbooks.
Christian, walk in the truth, owning
your mistakes without excuse, denial, or blame shifting, and place others’
interest above your own.[7] Demonstrate love in
action through your willingness to humble yourself by acknowledging your
imperfections out of a desire for healing and reconciliation and from a
determination to perfect the bond of unity.[8] You may be
embarrassed because of your failing or be required to pay the cost of
restitution; however, the price, though it may seem steep, will be miniscule
when weighed against the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus your Lord more
closely and being a reflection of Him in the world.[9]
[1] Proverbs 29:23
[2] 1 Peter 3:3-4
[3] Matthew 5:25
[4] 1 Peter 3:9
[5] Genesis 3:12
[6] Proverbs 28:13
[7] Philippians 2:3-4
[8] Colossians 3:14
[9] Philippians 3:7-9
