The Blame Game

When God asked Adam about his eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam’s response was not, “Yes, God, I ate of the tree that you told me not to eat.” Instead, Adam began with “the woman whom you gave to be with me.” Blame. Blame. Blame. Eve was no better when she was asked. Her response was, “The serpent deceived me.” Blame. Blame. Blame. God didn’t even ask Satan any questions. Wonder whom he would blame? Perhaps he would say, “Well if you never created me …”

It’s in our sinful nature to want someone else to shoulder the blame for what we’ve done. It’s not us. It’s our parents, kids, bosses, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Why is it so difficult for us to face our wrong instead of trying to pass it off to other people? The next time we feel tempted to blame someone else, let’s examine our hearts with the following questions using the acronym B-L-A-M-E.

B – Be honest with our true intentions in the situation. What role did we play with our own free will?

L – Let go of our desire to look good in front of people. Is our pride keeping us from admitting our sin?

A – Ask close family members and friends to be truthful with what they see as our part in the situation. Do we receive their feedback with humility, or are we deflecting it with excuses?

M – Make sure to confess our sins against other people. Can we genuinely confess our role and seek forgiveness from someone else?

E – Expect the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth. Have we let go of our excuses and invited the Spirit with the word of God to cut through our defenses to lead us toward repentance?

Every one of us has struggled with the blame game, yet as we mature in the Spirit, we will put away childish excuses and step up to our own responsibility.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I confess my sin of playing the blame game. I confess my sin in this matter and seek Your forgiveness and cleansing from unrighteousness. Amen.

In His Service,

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