tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post4873462786070716597..comments2024-03-28T03:36:33.414-07:00Comments on Keep Moving Forward: To Provoke or Not to ProvokeDaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-48302123279055329082007-06-05T03:50:11.000-07:002007-06-05T03:50:11.000-07:00There's always two sides to every war, battle,...There's always two sides to every war, battle, dispute, etc.<br><br>My question to you is: When we sin, are we to blame? Or can we put partial blame on whomever or whatever we were tempted by? If one steals a pair of jeans from the store, can he blame the clerk who displayed them so beautifully and so close to the door?Joannehttp://www.live4truth13.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-89587589100030862002007-06-06T01:25:38.000-07:002007-06-06T01:25:38.000-07:00I love questions! It really makes me think about ...I love questions! It really makes me think about what I wrote. :-)<br><br>Much of my point above (I hope) is that we shouldn't assume that another is acting without cause. Usually there is responsibility to be taken on both sides. I am certainly not an advocate of the "blame" game, by any stretch of the imagination, Joanne. I believe that it is foolishness to deny our own responsibility for our actions, and the consequences which are evident.<br><br>In your example, the clerk who displayed his shoes beautifully is not to blame for his action, for he sinned not. The thief gets full responsibility.<br><br>However, the woman who is dressing scantily is clearly in violation of the command of 1 Timothy 2:9. And the man who lusts after her, whether he acts on that lust or not, is guilty according to the very words of Christ in Matthew 5:28. So, both have sinned before the Lord, and should take responsibility. However, I believe that many are ignorant of such understanding and God holds us accountable for what we know. "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." (Luke 12:48) Yet the individual must still bear consequences for their actions (whatever they might be), whether they are aware of their sin or not, for "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."Daninoreply@blogger.com