Struggling to do what is right is a dilemma we all face at different times. A child can learn at a young age the importance of admitting they did something they should not have. Although a child’s misdeeds may be minor, the lesson of doing what is right can become a lifelong lesson and pattern of good behavior. As sinners, we do things wrong or make mistakes, but the question is, will we do what is right and take responsibility for our actions? There have been times when I failed to take responsibility and learned some difficult lessons.
One of the most significant steps of faith is to take responsibility and do what is right. Pilate had an important job as the Roman Governor of Judea, which involved ruling with politics mixed in. Many politicians today and in the past have been noted for being slippery because they don’t take responsibility. When Jesus came before Pilate for trial, he did not know that his struggle to do what was right would have such an impact.
Pilate Washed His Hands
Matthew 27:24 Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” [1] With those actions, Pilate was saying, both in words and actions, that he would not do what he knew was right. Yes, he was under a lot of pressure to crucify Jesus, but that does not relieve him of his responsibility. He knew Jesus was innocent in his heart, and his wife confirmed it by sending him an urgent message declaring such.
It is often in the most desperate and difficult situations where we either rise to the occasion and do what is right or take the coward’s way out. Knowing you will receive a backlash, it takes strength to do what is right. We can’t take that kind of stand by ourselves, for we need God’s strength. Paul explains what we need to do in these situations. Philippians 4:13For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.[2] More than one person has cried out to the Lord to ask for strength because they knew by themselves they would take the easy way out.
Admitting My Failure
If we have failed to take responsibility, God convicts us of our sins to help us make amends for the situation. Unfortunately, we can’t reset the clock, live a day over, and make a different decision, but we can admit we were wrong and ask for forgiveness. As we are honest with the Lord and confess our sins, we can learn to take responsibility for our actions.
The heart of the Gospel is the Lord forgiving those who confess their sins and turn back to Him. We may have failed to take responsibility today, but we can consistently do what is right with God’s strength in the future.
For help when struggling to do what is right, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-self-serving-trial
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mt 27:24). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Php 4:13). Tyndale House Publishers.