Building Blocks for Life:

Being Responsible

Defined•Someone who is responsible must give account for their behavior or performance. •They are able to answer for their conduct and obligations, and are thus counted as trustworthy.

Defined•Being responsible involves having an obligation to do something, or having control over [or care for] someone or something. • It means being morally accountable for one’s behavior.

Memory Verses•Memory verses for this lesson come from Paul’s assertion of the divine law of sowing and reaping, and James’ statement regarding the sin of omission (Gal. 6:7-8; James 4:17).

Galatians 6:7-8, NASB•Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.•For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

James 4:17, NASB•Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Positive Examples• Joshua•The Worthy Woman

Joshua• Joshua demonstrated responsibility as leader of the nation of Israel, and also of his own family (Josh. 24:14-31).

The Worthy Woman•The worthy woman, described in the final chapter of Proverbs, demonstrated responsibility in every area of her life (Prov. 31:10-31).

Negative Examples•Adam & Eve•King David

Adam & Eve•Adam and Eve proved woefully irresponsible in disobeying God’s commandment regarding the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3:1-13; Rom. 5:12-17).

King David•King David proved shamefully irresponsible in committing adultery with Bathsheba, and then covering his sin by murdering her husband, Uriah (2 Sam. 11-12).

Application•Like Joseph, let us be responsible when assigned a duty or entrusted with some task (Gen. 39:1-6, 19-23; 38-49).

Application•Remember the words of Jesus, who said, “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much” (Luke 16:10-13).

Conclusion & Challenge•By holding children accountable for their actions, parents help them grow to maturity. •God does the same.

Conclusion & Challenge•Are you being obedient or rebellious? Are you faithful or foolish? Are you a good steward or untrustworthy? •Eternity hangs in the balance (Matt. 12:36-37; 16:27; Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10).