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Everyone has responsibilities.

Unfortunately, not everyone is responsible.

Everyone should be accountable. Again, not everyone is accountable.

Everyone has made mistakes, wrong choices and bad decisions. Yes, everyone has.

This has been the case through the ages. That has not changed.

Or, has it?

One senses that the frequency of mistakes on the part of the typical human being likely has increased down through time. Of course, only God knows that for sure.

Still, there are critical elements of the human experience today that more than suggest how much more prevalent it is that every day individuals shirk responsibilities - and avoid accountability - for themselves and others.

In whomever the self-centeredness of all things 'me' has taken root, what is likely to blossom is not a person of character. And, that applies to all of us, whether we are young or older.

It usually starts when the person is younger. Adults in their midst may perceive it as "juvenile selfishness" and choose to declare, "Oh, they'll grow out of it."

Will they? Do they? Have they?

The human rationalizations in one's thinking, along with the cacophony of excuses we hear all too often tell us the answers.

Try on a few of these:

Life is depressing ... If I had better luck ... If my family was wealthier.

How about:

Its fate ... other people... my parents ... Its circumstances ... My father left when ...

My family is poor.

These three are also frequently heard: racism, sexism, and prejudice.

Perhaps, you're thinking as you read this, "Yes, it's endless."

And, that's the point.

Responsibility is endless!

It doesn't matter who you are; whether you are young or old; rich or poor.

It doesn't matter whether you are a parent, teacher, plumber, president; or, a college professor, governor, athlete, basketball referee, and so on.

What really matters is: Are you a responsible individual?

More specifically, do you understand and accept your responsibilities?

Do you do so willingly? Because if you do accept your responsibilities willingly; then you will do whatever may be necessary to develop your personal abilities - and the wherewithal - to fulfill each and every one of your responsibilities.

This responsibility principle applies for everyone. No individual is exempted.

This responsibility principle applies across the board. No exceptions. No excuses.

Here's a basic -- and powerful -- example:

When a man and woman are married and are blessed with a child, then as an individual -- father or mother -- and now a parent, each person has new additional responsibilities. Each has individual responsibility as a parent to take care of the child.

When the blessed child is born into, and grows up in, wedlock and a happy home, each parent has a parental helpmate to share in the responsibility for the child. And the child will have the benefit of having both a mom and a dad.

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