Think of the last time you did something wrong. Why did you do it?
“My brother (or friend) made me do it”
“Everyone else was doing it.”
“The Devil made me do it.”
When we do something wrong it is easy to blame someone else. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve for his sin. He was also blaming God because he blamed the woman that God had given him. Eve blamed the serpent (Genesis 3).
In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul blamed the people for his sin. However, when we do something wrong, we can only blame ourselves.
Other people may encourage you to do something wrong or tempt you to disobey your parents and God. But you—and only you—choose whether to obey or disobey. Someone might make it difficult to choose the right thing, or you may feel embarrassed to choose the right action, but you can make that tough choice.
God has promised escape from all temptations but He did not promise that it would be easy. Your friends might thing you are strange when you do what is right (1 Peter 4:4). You will be blamed for a poor choice but God will approve of your good choice. You will feel better about yourself when you choose to do the right thing.
Taking complete responsibility for your actions, whether good or bad, is one of the most important decisions you will make. People who constantly blame others for their wrong choices will never be strong or responsible.
When you recognize your bad decisions and accept the blame and any punishment that the decision deserves, you take an important step in maturity. Good people always respect someone who will admit fault when they have done wrong, will try to fix any problems they have created, and accept the punishment that may come.
Be strong. Some of the most important words you can say are, “I’m sorry. I made a poor (wrong ) decision. Please forgive me and tell me what I can do to make it right.” You will be proud of yourself, you will bring honor to yourself, you will be responsible, and you will glorify God.
Godly Youth 