When the ball is in my lap (or also worded “in my court”), where does the action for responsibility rest? Is it not I who chooses what to do with the ball? Do I clutch it for myself, allowing for no interaction with others? Do I throw it forcefully at someone so they will feel the sting of the power I have? Do I heave it forcefully toward another in an attempt to knock them down? Do I lightly toss it so that another is able to easily catch it or perhaps gently hand it to another? Regardless of how the ball may have come to me, the responsibility rests in me as to how it goes from there.
This is the manner in which I also must accept responsibility for the actions and words I use in response to others. I really cannot say, “They made me do it” because the choice always rests with me as I ought to duly consider how I myself wish to be treated. (i.e. Matthew 7:12) Therefore, rather than allowing the actions or words of another to dictate my response, when the ball is in my lap (or court), I am now responsible for what comes next as I give thought to what is most beneficial and best.
Someone has said, “You have to remember, you control how kind you are to others.” [shared by Tom Green] And I also love the quote, “Kindness is spreading sunshine into people’s lives regardless of the weather.” Such persons have been called RAKtivists; those willing to engage in “Random Acts of Kindness.”
As Jesus exhorted. . .
“(35) But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. (36) Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:35-36 ESV) [Similarly brought out in Matthew 5:44-48]
When the ball ends up in my lap, I have the choice to allow another’s actions to dictate my own and retaliate. I also have the choice to respond in a manner that says, “You are not going to treat me this way and I will show you why!” Or I have the choice to respond in accordance with a character becoming of a child of God who genuinely desires good for others regardless of how they have been. As the Most High has revealed His kindness to an ungrateful and evil world — myself being the recipient of His gracious and underserved kindness intended to lead me to repentance (Romans 2:4) — I am the one with the power to choose my actions. I have the responsibility to determine a beneficial response! Therefore, regardless of the climate of actions and words around me, may the sunshine of godly kindness break through to the glory of God and the benefit of others!
Have a great day TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A GODLY RESPONSE!
Carl
