OWN UP!
Galatians 6:5 NLT
For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
Freedom begins with ownership of your conduct.
OWN UP: means to take full responsibility for something—whether it’s a mistake, a success, an opinion, or a decision. It means embracing the situation with confidence, accountability, and authenticity rather than making excuses, shifting blame, or downplaying your role.
Personal Responsibility
Paul reminds us that, ultimately, we are accountable for our own actions. While we are called to support others, we must also take ownership of our choices, behaviors, and spiritual walk.
Application to Daily Life
We must not blame others for our mistakes, failures, or spiritual stagnation.
Even though others may influence us, our decisions are ours alone.
God will hold each of us accountable for how we live, so we must be intentional in our actions and choices.
Spiritual Implications
This verse aligns with the biblical teaching that on Judgment Day, each person will stand before God and give an account of their own life (Romans 14:12).
Excuses or blaming others will not justify our actions. Instead, God calls us to take responsibility and seek His guidance in our walk of faith
Let's explore some of the practical obstacles that may prevent taking ownership of your actions.
Pride and Self-Justification
Some people refuse to admit wrongdoing because they don’t want to appear weak or flawed.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. ? (Proverbs 16:18 NKJV)
Blaming Others
Instead of accepting responsibility, individuals may shift blame onto others, including the devil, circumstances, or other people.
"The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it. ? (Genesis 3:12 NLT)
Denial and Self-Deception
Some Christians convince themselves that they haven’t done anything wrong, refusing to acknowledge their mistakes.
" If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth"
(1 John 1:8 NLT)
Misuse of God’s Grace
Some Christians use grace as an excuse to continue in sin without acknowledging their faults.
“Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? ? (Romans 6:1-2 NLT)
Fear of Consequences
People may avoid admitting fault due to fear of punishment, judgment, or rejection.
“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.
. ? (Proverbs 29:25 NLT)
Misuse of God’s Grace
Some Christians use grace as an excuse to continue in sin without acknowledging their faults.
“Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? ? (Romans 6:1-2 NLT)
Spiritual Blindness
People may fail to recognize their own faults due to a lack of spiritual discernment or hardened hearts.
" And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? ? (Matthew 7:3 NLT)
Cultural and Church Influences
Sometimes, church culture reinforces unbiblical attitudes, such as excusing certain sins or prioritizing reputation over repentance.
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity". (Matthew 23:27 NLT)
Lack of True Repentance
Feeling regret is different from true repentance, which involves confession and change.
"For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death" .(2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT)
Unwillingness to Be Held Accountable
Many avoid accountability, refusing correction from others.
"Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery. ? (Proverbs 29:1 NLT)
Being Surrounded by Enablers
Some people avoid accountability because their friends, church leaders, or peers excuse their behavior.
" Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits. ? (1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV)
Each of these obstacles can hinder spiritual growth, but true transformation comes from humility, repentance, and a willingness to accept responsibility.
Now let's look at the benefits of taking ownership of your actions.
Taking ownership of bad choices is a crucial aspect of Christian growth and maturity. The Bible encourages believers to acknowledge their sins, seek forgiveness, and learn from their mistakes. Here are some benefits of taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Restored Fellowship with God
When Christians confess their sins, their relationship with God is restored.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 NKJV
Freedom from Guilt and Shame
Owning up to mistakes and seeking forgiveness removes the burden of guilt.
“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD. ? And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone ?
Psalm 32:5 NLT
Increased Spiritual Growth
Recognizing errors allows for correction and spiritual maturity.
“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.. ? Proverbs 28:13 NLT
Avoiding Repeated Mistakes
Learning from past failures prevents repeating the same sins.
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness. ? Proverbs 26:11 NLT
Stronger Testimony and Witness for Christ
When Christians take responsibility, they set an example for others.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. ? Matthew 5:16 NKJV
Receiving God’s Blessings and Favor
God honors those who walk in integrity and repentance.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17 NLT
Protection from Satan’s Accusations
The enemy thrives on guilt and unconfessed sin, but taking responsibility and seeking forgiveness nullifies his attacks.
“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. Revelation 12:10 NKJV
Strengthening of Character and Integrity
Acknowledging mistakes builds integrity and makes one trustworthy in the eyes of others.
"Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people."
Proverbs 11:3 NLT
Increased Wisdom and Discernment
Learning from mistakes helps believers grow in wisdom.
“My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
Psalm 119:71 NLT
A Heart More Sensitive to the Holy Spirit
The more we confess and correct our ways, the more attuned we become to the Holy Spirit’s leading. When our desires align with God’s will, He grants them according to His purpose.
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.. ?
John 16:13 –
"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires." - Psalms 37:4 NLT
Final Thought:
Taking ownership of your actions is a choice.
Taking ownership of your actions are intentional, not accidental.
Taking ownership of your actions results in unity, both inside of you and outside of you.