Personal Responsibility

 Scripture:

“The person who sins is the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭18‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In the passage, Ezekiel makes is clear that the individual who sins is punished for sin, and not their children. The children will be punished for their own sin. He very clearly demonstrates that righteous people will be rewarded for THEIR righteous acts and sinful people will be judged for THEIR own sins. We can’t save our children and our children can’t save us.

Application:

Many times as parents, we can feel terrible because maybe our children are not serving God. This passage lets us know that each generation will stand before God individually. They won’t get into heaven because of their parents and they won’t go to hell because of their parents. Each generation has personal responsibility for their sins and disobedience. We should train our children and pour into their lives, but eventually they have a choice and will be accountable for the choices they make. 

Prayer:

Father, help me to trust You more with my sons. Help me to release responsibility for their choices and understand that each individual is accountable to You for their walk with You. I want my sons to walk with You because I know the benefits and have walked out the benefits of serving You wholeheartedly. Draw them closer to You each and every day and help them to make wise decisions.

Yours,

Jeff