Simple truth, however, may not always work. I read about another lad who decided on a lark he would push the outhouse over into the creek. Later when he was confronted by his pa he confessed and claimed the Washington privilege of release from punishment based on his telling the truth. This time, however, Pa wasn’t impressed. “There is a big difference,” Pa said, “George’s daddy wasn’t in the cherry tree.”

We have gone through a period of time in our country when it was easier to blame failure on someone else. I have written on this topic before and probably will again. We are not out of that woods yet; we still live in the age of euphemism and blaming others. Nevertheless, it does seem we are finally coming to realize there is a matter of personal accountability. Whether we are speaking of family relationships, business ventures, educational accomplishments or sports prowess accountability is the common thread It was back in the early '60s that Admiral Rickover wrote these few lines to those who are at the helm: 'Responsibility is a unique concept. It can only reside in a single individual. You may share it with others, but your portion is not diminished. You may delegate it, but it is still with you. If responsibility is rightfully yours, no evasion or ignorance or passing the blame can shift the burden to someone else. Unless you can point your finger at the one who is responsible when something goes wrong, then you never had anyone really responsible. "

Responsibility is another word for accountability. Rickover understood that someone must be in charge. There have been numerous social experiments wherein people tried to build a leaderless society. To my knowledge none have lasted more than a few years.

Rickover never was one to concern himself with tact. Maybe his grit is needed more than we realize. Projects and relationships or any meaningful achievements result not from the work of dreamers but by doers. Great battles are not won by armchair generals who watch and frown from a distance but by brave troops in the trenches. The road to the Superbowl is not won by fat fans in the bleachers, but by lean, committed coaches and players on the field.

Marriages last when husbands accept their responsibility to care for the wife and create a safe and secure home for their children. Children grow strong and mature when they are taught to take responsibility for their actions.

We can live a lifetime without facing our responsibilities. Lincoln said you can fool some of the people all of the time. Some will see through your facade but we can live with that and show a good face to the world. However, we cannot escape the responsibility. There is a power greater than that in the world and all will one day stand before the judgment seat.

"But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:10-12).