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Doctors won’t make you healthy. Nutritionists won’t make you slim. Teachers won’t make you smart. Gurus won’t make you calm. Mentors won’t make you rich. Trainers won’t make you fit. Ultimately, you have to take responsibility.
We live in an age with increasing access to information and specialized coaches and guides. If you have a problem which needs to be solved there is a coach, mentor, book, podcast, video, etc which will purport to get you back on track.
None of these tools to correct the problem will work until you take personal responsibility for ensuring the success or failure for each tool. One size seldom fits all and what works for one person often will not for another. This is why we must use our discernment when applying tools for our success.
Likewise, reading the Bible, attending church, memorizing scripture will not bring salvation or make you a better person. Jesus told his disciples the path to destruction was wide and many would follow it. He pointed out that following the teachings of the Pharisees and scribes (ancient self help gurus) would not lead to a close relationship with God.
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
The only way to salvation is through belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It requires each of us to take the personally responsible step of leaning on his righteousness and not our own understanding or that which is prescribed by others.
When we accept Jesus into our lives we are not assured a path which is easier. On the contrary, we will often be ostracized and persecuted for our beliefs. This is why the path is narrow.
I constantly tell our players the success they will find on the field will not come from any amount of coaching but instead from their ability to take personal responsibility for their part in the game and game preparation. Are they watching film? Do they pay attention in practice? Do they practice correct techniques? Do the non-starters run great scout offense and defense? Are they each doing their part to increase our chances of success?
Finally, responsibility is the lifeblood of a free society. Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are scared of responsibility. If we want to continue to live in a free society, then we must encourage everyone to take responsibility for their actions because the path to tyranny is paved with excuses.
