VERSE:
The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.
— Ezekiel 18:20

THOUGHT:
If you read all of Ezekiel chapter 18, it is clear that the people to whom Ezekiel was prophesying believed that they were being punished for the sins of their forefathers. They believed that their current situation was not their fault.

Part of our fallen human nature has the tendency to shift the blame of our actions and circumstances to an outside cause. It is true that many people are facing situations that they have no control over, however oftentimes our tendency is to get ourselves in a mess and blame it on something else. Some people may confess that their actions are wrong, but quickly blame it on any number of external causes outside of their control: ethnicity, upbringing, bad parents, bad influences, etc. However, when we stand before God on judgment day, we will stand alone and give an account of our lives without the opportunity to shift the blame on anyone, or anything else.

APPLICATION:
Take personal ownership of your actions or circumstances without shifting the blame on any external causes. Confess to God your wrongdoings, and be specific. No matter how difficult your situation is or was, you must assume accountability for your response. Then, and only then, can God restore you to repentance. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I take full ownership and responsibility to any actions, thoughts or words that are opposed to your commands. I confess them as sin without making any excuses, and I ask you for forgiveness and cleansing. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!