Hurricane Katrina and Personal Responsibility
The images of devastation have been startling. New Orleans, Biloxi and several coastal towns suffered unparalleled damage. Families were left without food, water and shelter. Evacuation plans failed as the sick and disabled were trapped by nature's violent tantrum. Once the reports were broadcast, Americans quickly sprang into action. Funds were sent (and continue being sent) to scores of charitable organizations working in the affected areas. Americans are a compassionate people. We take care of our own, and, rightly so.
However, a dominant theme has emerged from the media reports that begs further scrutiny. It is the idea that much of the injury and suffering was the direct result of governmental incompetence, especially in New Orleans. The fact that thousands voluntarily ignored evacuation orders before the hurricane hit, and, proceeded to loot, pillage and plunder after Katrina's departure, seems to have no significance. Who could hold any victim responsible in the wake of Katrina's wrath? Who could possibly question the decision to raise a family in a city built below sea level with the levees inadequate to restrain more than a category 3 hurricane? Do the victims bear any personal responsibility, or, are they merely pawns on the "chessboard of uncontrollable circumstances?"
Needless to say, many are suffering because of personal irresponsibility. Some would angrily respond, "How can you be so unloving? Have you no compassion? Even though people didn't leave, the damage is done. Why would you raise "personal responsibility" issues now? These people simply need to be helped." I agree that we must compassionately aid Katrina's victims. But, if we do not confront "personal responsibility", we condemn succeeding generations to the same flawed reasoning that cost some their lives, a thinking that ultimately has eternal consequences.
The Record of Jeroboam
What's Jeroboam got to do with it? Jeroboam was king over the northern 10 tribes of Israel (called Israel - the 2 southern tribes were called Judah). He led a rebellion against Solomon's son (Rehoboam) when Rehoboam tried to unfairly raise taxes. In fact, Jeroboam could be considered a victim of his circumstances. Due to Solomon's jealousies, he was forced to flee for his life. When Solomon's son became king the people of the 10 northern tribes pleaded with Jeroboam to return. Rehoboam was a scoundrel, oppressing the people. Jeroboam was the man called on to save them from social injustice. So, in answer to the call, he led the people, dividing the nation of Israel into two kingdoms-Israel and Judah. Some would label Jeroboam a hero. But, the Bible describes his death as follows, "... and the Lord struck him and he died (II Chron 13:20)." His death was a direct result of his leadership in dividing the kingdom of Israel. But, why, Lord? After all, Jeroboam was only responding to the dangers and opportunities in his environment. The cards were stacked against him. Why was he held responsible? The answer lies in God's covenant to King David, "And your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever (II Sam 7:16)." When Jeroboam consented to the rebels’ requests, he was disobeying God. Even though Rehoboam was a bad leader, He was God's choice to be king over a united Israel. Jeroboam was held personally responsible for his act of disobedience and paid the ultimate price. He could not blame Solomon, Rehoboam, his environment or life's circumstances for decisions he willingly made. Those decisions carried certain consequences for which he alone was responsible.
What was true for Jeroboam is equally true for us. If I decide to build a home on the Atlantic coastline, I am responsible for making the necessary preparations for potential calamities. If I ignore warnings of impending severe weather, I do so at my own risk. I cannot blame the government for being slow in rescuing me from my "roof perch." To use my predicament as a reason for suspending moral values is inexcusable. I must assume responsibility for myself.
Why Is This Important?
A strong case can be made for the preservation of society. The concept of "personal responsibility" must be ingrained into the fabric of our culture if we expect to remain a free and orderly society. It became quite clear in New Orleans what can happen when "personal responsibility" is replaced by "survival of the fittest."
But, more importantly, if we compromise the concept of "personal responsibility", we ultimately lose the Gospel. Christianity stands on "personal responsibility." The Bible declares, "For all have sinned..." (Rom 3:23). Because we are sinners, we are under God's judgment. We cannot blame God. We are responsible for our disobedience. Because God is both holy and loving He sent His Son to satisfy the demands of His holy law and accomplish a way of being delivered from our sin and its eternal consequences, that is, eternal punishment. This deliverance (or salvation) is freely given to all who trust in Christ. However, when God accomplished our salvation, He did not remove our responsibility. So, we are responsible to repent and believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Acts 17:30-31; Rom 10:9-13). The Gospel addresses our responsibility. To remove "personal responsibility" is to withdraw the reason for God's judgment and the need for deliverance. In essence, the Gospel is destroyed. A society that does not think in terms of "personal responsibility" is a society that will be indifferent to God's Word. Such an indifference results in the supreme consequence, eternal separation from God.
One Final Word
Christians should be the most compassionate people in the world. We ought to do everything within our power to alleviate the suffering of Katrina's victims. Our prayers, money and time could be directed toward no better project. Many were unable to move from the path of destruction. Those who chose to remain are in need of our help. While we must always acknowledge "personal responsibility", our lives must reflect unconditional mercy, following the example of our Lord.
