Blame it on Linus!

Tonight a local channel showed "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" because of it being Halloween. I have never realized that even this cartoon can teach us a thing or two. As the kids were getting ready to go trick or treating,Linus went to the pumpkin patch to await the great pumpkin's arrival. The other kids get on their costumes and then go to talk with him. Lucy tells him he is dumb for waiting for the great pumpkin but he refuses to go with them. Sally decides to stay with Linus in the pumpkin patch. She keeps telling him he had better be right. Well, like it does every year, the Great Pumpkin never shows up and Sally gets mad at Linus because she missed out on the candy. She said its all his fault she didn't get any treats. In truth it was her own fault for not going with the others and staying with Linus. He didn't make her do anything. She chose to stay in the pumpkin patch with him.

Isn't that like most people in today's society? There are all sorts of people who make decisions that get them in trouble and ruin their lives. The problem is that they won't take responsibility for their their own choices and the consequences that accompany those choices. They are always quick to blame someone else or some event for their choices. They deny any part of the decision process and act like a victim in the whole thing. The problem is that no matter what they do or think, they are ultimately responsible for their choices. Others may influence them but when it comes right down to it, they are the ones who make the choice. No one else just them! I don't care if it is an addiction like drugs or alcohol or a behavior like stealing or anything else! We choose to do what we want to do and must accept the blame for the consequences. We cannot blame anyone but ourselves when we refuse to do what is right. God tells us that each of us will stand before Him and give an accounting for our lives. No one can stand in my place or your place when we face God. Take responsibility for yourself and what you do, what you say and where you go!

Let's be honest and let's not blame Linus for our behavior! After all, poor Linus misses out on the candy as well as not getting to see the Great Pumpkin! Remember that you could end like Charlie Brown and end up with a lot of rocks in your bag!