One of the biggest lies of the world is that we are not responsible for our own actions. We are told that it's our mother's fault, our employer's fault, our neighbor's fault, the government's fault, and/or society's fault.

But in Romans 14:12, the Bible clearly indicates who is responsible and accountable for our deeds: "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

We may want or even attempt to shift the blame to others, but there is no escaping the truth: when we point the finger at someone else, there are three fingers pointing back at ourselves.

Throughout my career as a consultant, I have met with many businessmen who were looking everywhere for answers. It was amazing to me how many were anxiously searching for help from other people while they had - between them and God - everything they needed to succeed. They were easily willing to give up control of their vision to others in exchange for money or even companionship. Their mistake was in looking to others instead of God.

This kind of false security invariably leads to imbalanced relationships, which eventually result in destruction of the person and his dream.

Now I believe that God sends people across our path to bless us and help us. But we should be directed by God and be very cautious when entering into any partnership relationship. We must be sure that the reason for the relationship is right; that it is not an attempt to compromise or look for a shortcut.

For every successful partnership, there are hundreds that were disasters. Exercise great caution when affiliating with someone else. In Exodus, God gave Moses some good advice that is applicable to us as Christians today. He said, "Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you" (Ex. 34:12 NIV).

I believe that most of the things God wants to teach us, He wants us to learn for ourselves. Mark Twain said, "A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn no other way."

Decide for yourself. Learn for yourself. Answer for yourself.

Source: An Enemy Called Average by John Mason.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing