I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver. We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”. It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths. She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking.
Here is the thirteenth truth:
I am responsible before God for my behavior, responses, and choices.
In our society today we often see the victim mentality. People are constantly trying to pass the blame. They are avoiding responsibility for their actions. We often hear of adults blaming their problems on their parents and their upbringing. Spouses try to justify their unfaithfulness by saying their spouse doesn’t love them, or pay attention to them. Although we may not be able to control the circumstances that come into our lives, we can control how we respond.
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21
Ms. DeMoss writes, “When we stop blaming others and circumstances for sinful behavior or negative patterns in our lives, when we begin to assume personal responsibility for our own choices, we will be released from the sense that we are helpless victims. We will be free to obey God, regardless of our circumstances.” (page 260)
Are you obeying God, regardless of the circumstances?
~Theresa