Responsibility 


Jer 4:18  Your way and your doings have brought these things on you; this is your evil, 
because it is bitter, because it reaches to your heart.
Jer 7:23  But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your 
God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, 
that it may be well unto you.
It seems like such a natural response- to just point out that, if there is anyone to 
blame, it really must include this other individual. After all, it couldn't have just been 
done by one person on his or her own and without the influence of some other 
dominating individual. Actually, this 'defense' is really just confirmation that the sin has 
made its way to the nature of the heart. It has not only become the action of choice, but it 
has brought on the deception that true fault lies elsewhere, thus deflecting any need for 
personal repentance. 
They had been busily moving about the garden, fulfilling all their responsibilities 
with incredible displays of uninhibited mental and physical ability. They had never 
known any reason to conceal anything from the constant Presence that filled every corner 
of their home. Their hearts had always remained pure and without a single fault that 
might bring guilt or shame. Totally open and free to the very core of their being, nothing 
was ever in need of concealment, not even their bodies.  Everything was totally pure and 
honest before their Creator. If there was nothing to hide, why ever cover it up? Because 
they were free of any diversion of heart or focus of passion, their purpose was fulfilled as 
the garden flourished under their management and organization. 
Into this perfection, however, entered something that would bring devastating 
consequences. It seemed innocent enough to any understanding soul., and after all, it was 
just a simple bite of fruit. Everyone has to eat, and they were just eating. And---it wasn't 
really just their choice. They were definitely under the overwhelming influence of this 
wily snake that made them do it in the first place. Really, if God had any understanding at 
all, He would be able to just forgive them for something that really wasn't their fault. 
You might wonder if there could have been a different outcome for Adam and 
Eve, if somehow their hearts could have been purged through an honest acceptance of 
responsibility for what was done. If they could have just gone right to God in remorse, 
desiring more than anything to be with Him and turn in repentance from the wrong 
choice they had made. Once the deed was done, however, the consequence was set in 
motion. But, there was something much more devastating that was taking place- their sin 
was transforming the nature of their heart. It was touching and tainting the very place that 
required complete holiness and purity in order to hang out with God. To be with their 
Maker required complete openness and honesty, with no deflections of responsibility. 
With the slightest entrance of sin, however, came a reason to cover up and point the 
finger of guilt to another. This corrupted heart could never maintain fellowship with the 
One who knows and sees all, and can only fellowship freely with a pure and honest heart. 
This is why the Father cannot tolerate the corruption of sin's presence- not because of the 
act itself, but because what is touching the heart in that act and the loss of responsibility 
that is taking place. Speaking, eating, seeing, touching, and hearing are all things that 
must be done if one is to live at all, but whether or not these are done in accordance with 
the Father's direction is the definition of them as sin or purity. In the decision to do other 
than what He's spoken is the decision to refuse Him and the wealth of pleasure that only 
His presence can bring. 
The choice that brings blessing, the choice that brings prosperity of every kind is 
the choice of fellowship with God over the enticement of a worldly passion. This choice 
is one of obedience to Him over the gratification of what the flesh may dictate. And, this 
choice is one that accepts complete responsibility for every mistake and misplaced 
passion. In the heart of true acceptance and true repentance, there is an atmosphere and 
room where the Holy One can come and dwell, along with the infinite blessing that 
permeates every square centimeter that His glory occupies. Fellowshipping with Him 
there in that sanctuary, there is, in His every directive or command, yet another 
opportunity to worship and honor Him with obedience. And in that obedience, there is a 
further establishment of the heart in holiness that brings delight and pleasure to His heart. 
David knew this quite well in His overt display of delight in every command the Father 
would give. 
May everything be honest and open before the God of our every passion, and may 
there never be a reason given to conceal a single part of our person from the One who 
only wants to bring life, and that more abundantly. And, where our hearts may choose 
wrongly, may there never be another choice made to find someone else (other than Jesus) 
to take our blame. There really is a way to complete restoration of holiness and 
fellowship, but it is only through acceptance of complete responsibility for the evil that 
has been our choice and our choice alone. Into this open and honest heart will return the 
sanctifying presence of the Holy One once more to further establish the dominance of His 
blessing.

Mat 5:8  Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

8/5/06