On Life 40 – Responsibility – August 22, 2014

   It is said that responsibility leads to success and the only common attribute of the successful. Indeed, man can reach the top by being responsible. The first responsibility is that of making decisions: for during his lifetime, man goes through many circumstances which he has to decide what to do with. Some people ask, know, think deeply, then make the decisions that lead them to their goals. Others just wait for a decision maker who leads them to the top! I believe this never happens unless man sets a goal and strives to attain it. However, a person might leave matters to others, escaping responsibility. So, he seeks their opinions, not to study matters carefully, but because he cannot be responsible for his decisions. Thus, man deceives himself, and will sure have to endure the results.

   A decision maker had a clear goal that he strives to attain, vision of what he wishes to attain, and commitment. Likewise, he never seeks excuses. Nor does he blame people or circumstances if he stumbles. Rather, he looks for the reasons and deals with them in order to succeed once more. It is said, “Be fully responsible for all aspects of your life. Stop blaming others and fetching excuses.”

   Responsibility starts at an early age: for parents and educators try to implant it within children. An irresponsible person cannot achieve anything. In fact, he has to realize his role in being responsible for himself, his family, and society. He has to toil for them. In order that man might succeed in bearing responsibility, he has to understand the nature of his missions, goals, and the difficulties he might encounter. Likewise, he has to work diligently and honestly.

   God granted man great skills and talents, which is why he has to realize the importance of his working for others. Had it not been for responsibility, Alexander Fleming could not have worked to alleviate the pains of the sick, exerted effort to attain the greatest achievement in medication of which penicillin is the most famous. Also, Addison would not have lighted the world. Nor would Ann Sullivan have been able to help Helen Keller become that great! Responsibility does lead to the top.

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center