We are not responsible

Sometimes at stores, there are signs to this effect --

We are not responsible for damages caused by unattended carts, vandalism, or other vehicles.

Occasionally we hear someone say, "I'm not responsible. The reason this happened was because [fill in the blank]."

Someone ELSE is to blame.

Corporate bodies may also communicate similar ideas --

We are not responsible. You the consumer [or student, teacher] are at fault. We, the corporation or organization is not. Each person is responsible for their own actions.

Is all of this completely true?

That in a larger sense, we are not responsible? And in a narrower sense, I am not responsible?

Or AM I responsible, that is, accountable for my own choices and behavior?

And that I'm to blame for being a bad example or applauded for being a good one?

Paul wrote to Timothy to be an example to believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

If others are living recklessly and NOT denying ungodliness and worldly lusts so that they can live soberly, righteously, and godly, Titus 2:11-12 maybe we're gracious toward them and think and say, "Well, no one is perfect."

Peter wrote that love covers all sins, that is, we don't hold someone's imperfect actions against them. 1 Peter 4:8

But is each believer individually trying to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, in His steps? John 21:19; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6

Is each striving to be perfect as the Father is perfect? Matthew 5:48

Is each working on being holy as the Father is holy? 1 Peter 1:14-16

Is each growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? 2 Peter 3:18

Each can be responsible for their own spiritual development.

Because you have these blessings, do your best to add these things to your lives:

to your faith, add goodness;

and to your goodness, add knowledge;

and to your knowledge, add self-control;

and to your self-control, add patience;

and to your patience, add service for God;

and to your service for God, add kindness for your brothers and sisters in Christ;

and to this kindness, add love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Your thoughts?

R. Jason