The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. (Ezekiel 18:20)
I don't know about you but I kinda get tired of hearing people blame others for the crap going on in their lives. Believe me, I am not blameless, but it seems like when things are unstable and the "road is rocky" the first reaction of some is to start pointing fingers. I notice this the most at church, ashamedly.
Let's face it, our church is in a time of uncertainty. Maybe that's the wrong word. It's not at all uncertain; I believe God will take care of His church. But we are in a difficult time. From the stories I hear, it just seems that people are all too quick to find fault with other people but never, not once, do they stop and consider themselves. Maybe a little perspective wouldn't hurt, huh?
Anyway, this passage just spoke to me in this way. Whether it is sin or some other crisis going on, I think we should first look at our own hearts before we jump to the conclusion that the problem is with someone else. It all comes down to a prideful, self-centered attitude. The bible says, "as much as depends on you, be at peace with all men" (Romans 12:18). The part that depends on us is to evaluate ourselves. We can't be at peace with anyone if we think they are always in the wrong.
I like the last verse of Ezekiel 18, also: "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!"
