Two Extremes in Responsibility

To experience one of the widest gaps between being responsible and irresponsible, one has to only turn to the book of 1 Samuel. The prophet Samuel gave clear instructions to King Saul to annihilate everything of the Amalekites, including man, women, children, and beast. As Samuel approached the victory celebration, he heard the animals in the background, belying the stated command. In a fit of holy anger, he asked King Saul why he didn’t obey the word of the Lord. Saul’s explanation? The people did it!

Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the Lord your God, and the rest we have devoted to destruction.” — 1 Samuel 15:15

Rather than taking responsibility, per his Adamic inheritance, Saul blamed the people for the sin but took credit for the destruction. After a thorough scolding by Samuel he finally confessed his error and his motivation:

Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. — 1 Samuel 15:24

Compare Saul’s scenario to that of the heir to his throne, David. After he committed adultery with Bathsheba and covered the sin with the murder of her honorable husband, Uriah, the prophet Nathan similarly accused David that “he was the man” who was guilty of taking the one lone sheep. Notice his response. Immediately he said, I have sinned.” (2 Samuel 12:13) He took responsibility.

Later, when David numbered the people against the will of God, the Lord sent the death angel through the city of Jerusalem, killing over 70,000 people. When David saw the price tag for his sin he asked the Lord to punish him alone:

Then David spoke to the Lord when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, “Behold, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me and against my father’s house.” — 2 Samuel 24:17

While David made some major spiritual, parental, and leadership errors, he was quick to take responsibility for his actions. He did not blame others nor did he excuse himself. Each time he found mercy in the eyes of God.

When we teach our children to take responsibility for their actions, we are laying a wonderful foundation for their future because it isn’t until someone can take responsibility for their actions that they can truly go forward. Furthermore, people who take responsibility for their actions will be highly prized by leaders and employers as someone who is trustworthy.

While this trait is good for all of our children to emulate, it is especially important for sons to embrace it. One mark of manliness is to take responsibility. After all, just like Saul, they will one day give an account of how they led their own flock.