Not Me!

Not Me!
 
Proverbs 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.
 
YOU’VE probably noticed that the human heart is good with the “blame game”. You know. It is that game we play when we make a mistake. Something bad happens from our error, and we quickly shift any responsibility for our actions onto someone or something else. Some, for example, blame their money problems on people who charge too much interest. They forget they have chosen to buy things on credit or borrow the money from the company to use as they desire.
   Even more, to blame is not merely shifting responsibility. It is to condemn and judge. To criticize or charge someone simply to avoid your responsibility is an arrogance that avoids confession and responsibility.
   “Blame” thinking certainly is too common in our relationship with God. If we act against God’s Word – sin – then find ourselves in difficult circumstances, we naturally want to blame God for our problems. We see this throughout Scripture. Remember Cain, Ham, Esau, Saul – and yes, even David and Solomon – to understand how sin put each into very difficult, even life-threatening circumstances. All knew God’s laws. God loved them and urged them to follow his rules: “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:6-7) God gave Cain the way to a good life. The Father wanted the best for his son. His desire was the same and is the same for each person born. Yet, most of us are like Cain. We will in some way suffer greatly form their sin if we blame God, or we blame others for our problems.
   The difference with David was his repentance. We’ll see how Solomon responded to God’s judgment on his bad choices. But we know there was a good deal of despondency and emptiness in Solomon’s life because he pursued pleasure above his own wisdom.
   Yes, there are many things that harm our lives. It doesn’t take long in most conversations to hear of some trouble or heartache people are experiencing. Some wonder, “Where’s God? Why doesn’t he care for me?” Others see their own responsibility to say, “God is with me. I trust his presence in my life to care for me even in this pain I suffer.”
   Is blame somewhere in your heart? Then it’s time to confront it and ask God to heal you. Put aside your charges against others or against God. Take responsibility for injuries you have caused others. Listen to God’s teachings you may have rejected and allow them to change your heart. As you read the proverbs’ wisdom, may the Holy Spirit awaken you to confess a sin and open a more intimate relationship with God.