My Responsibility

It isn't my responsibility
To criticize and judge the things you do.
The Lord alone can look inside your heart.
And see if all your deeds are false or true.

But I'm the only one responsible
For every word and action that are mine.
And I alone am held accountable
For hurtful words that damage or malign.

And so I need to guard so carefully
The things that I allow inside my heart,
While welcoming all good and noble thoughts,
I needs must bid the evil ones depart.

And I must soak God's Word up like a sponge,
So it becomes so much a part of me,
That all my actions will be governed by
That still small voice that shows what I should be.

While constantly communing with my Lord,
I'll find the strength to live a life that's free;
And as I share His love with all I meet,
I'll thus fulfill responsibility.

~~Betty Jo Mings