First Person Responsibility

Do you have any pet peeves? I think we all have some pet peeve, you know that thing that annoys you and makes you think your perfect little world is disturb by that one thing. How about: when people leave the cap off the toothpaste, or people who drink directly out of the milk/orange juice container, and then put the empty container back in the refrigerator - that is somewhat annoying but that's two things . Not washing hands after using the bathroom- OK that is just disgusting. Guys who leave the toilet seat up- I had three brothers and then two sons I was always the only girl, so really when you think about it maybe guys is people who leave the toilet seat down. How about when you’re eating something and a person will just steal a little bit of it – yep that does kind of  bug me !

 Well I am going to share mine and it is my ugly side but here goes… my biggest one is what I call “First Person Responsibility”. This is the first one at the red light has the responsibility to make sure when the light turns green he GOES and tries to get everyone behind him through the light too.

 He doesn’t think about Aunt Mabel’s cookies, or talk to the person in the passenger seat, or anything else. I feel like it is a job that you shouldn’t take lightly. If you wait, the light will think no one is there and BAM it is red again and the only person who gets through is that guy and the rest of us are all sitting back at the intersection waiting on a red light.

I try very hard to remember forgiveness with this one, and I also try very hard not to just nudge that person with my car. I think that is illegal but maybe the judge would see my theory and feel like it is completely appropriate behavior on this one, but then I don’t think I want to risk it. I bet at some point in my life I was that girl at the red light that waited and didn’t get anyone else through but me and I didn’t even know it- no not me, no way-well maybe.

When it comes down to it, we all have that “First Person Responsibility” to lead by our example. How others who are watching to see what direction we will take and then they will follow. It can be simply how your children see you when you get angry or disappointed waiting and watching to see how you will get through it. Some may be watching to see how you react to change, are you going to just stay there waiting, or will you move on in faith knowing God has a plan. Maybe you don’t even know that there is someone behind you but they are there, and they want to get through the green light too. Life can be so hard sometimes and if we see someone walking ahead of us leading showing us the love of God, we can all make it. We are all leaders in some way or another, at one point in your life you are the first one at the red light just remember when it turns green I am behind you so let’s go, get us through the intersection.

1 Timothy 4:12 -Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.