WHY YOU MUST QUIT ASKING WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU!
Today, I can joyfully say that one of the best undertakings I have ever made was to study the subject of responsibility. As obvious as my assertion in this article is, so many people still don’t think very seriously about the fact that Personal Responsibility is one of the most essential credentials in National Transformation.
The now famous and widely used quotation of John F. Kennedy “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” is probably the most circulated quotation on the subject of Personal Responsibility of a citizen towards his nation. If a nation and any nation for that matter, could raise up the standard of Personal Responsibility in their society, you will in no time see a country of virtuous people, developed and civilized.
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” ― Winston S. Churchill
As an African, that is probably one quality that sends the first shockwaves through the spine of an immigrant from a developing country coming to Europe. The level of Personal Responsibility in developed countries are averagely much higher than is seen in developing nations.
“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” – Bob Dylan
Personal Responsibility of each citizen before the nation, is usually well defined in all developed nations. In many other countries, such a statement like was made by John F. Kennedy would have gone by unnoticed, because to most people Personal Responsibility of a citizen towards the nation, does not really mean anything. Which explains why most citizens of such nations play the blame game.
If you are reading this week’s series, it is my believe that you must be interested in the transformation of your nation. If that is the case then you must start with yourself. The most obvious question of a responsible person is what can I do in this situation? The more we can ask such questions, the more we bring about change where we are. Instead of expecting someone from somewhere to spearhead or bring about a change that we desire, it is much more practical to begin to do something personally.
“Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.” ― Sigmund Freud
To be continued tomorrow with the following point:
- An in-depth look into the meaning of personal responsibility.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, CHURCH AND NATION
By Pastor Sunday Adelaja
