The Blame Game

“We habitually erect a barrier called blame that keeps us from communicating genuinely with others, and we fortify it with our concepts of who's right and who's wrong. We do that with the people who are closest to us and we do it with political systems, with all kinds of things that we don't like about our associates or our society.

It is a very common, ancient, well-perfected device for trying to feel better. Blame others....Blaming is a way to protect your heart, trying to protect what is soft and open and tender in yourself. Rather than own that pain, we scramble to find some comfortable ground.”   - Pema Chödrön

The blame game, otherwise known as "personal responsibility," is a familiar game. We all know how this game is played, don't we? When something happens (usually not anything pleasant) some thoughts may pop into our minds similar to these: "Who do I blame?" "Do I blame the other gal?" "Or do I point the finger at myself?"

Not very pretty is it. Sadly, we see this happening more and more with our government leaders, sports heroes, and other celebrities. In other words, the people who have the most social exposure, and should be setting the standard for good behavior, simply are not.

I'm not speaking about idolatry today, but many young people follow the examples that are demonstrated by these folks. Ex-NBA superstar Charles Barkley once said, "I am not paid to be a role model." This may be true, but whether celebrities like it or not, they are role models to many too young, or gullible to fully understand.

But personal responsibility isn't just the exclusive property of the rich and famous. It applies to everyone, which includes you and I. Besides, it's such an easy thing to do. Shifting the blame to someone else is clearly illustrated in the Book of Genesis in the story of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:12-13).

If something unfavorable occurs on our watch it's very easy and convenient to blame others. After all, blaming others offers us an out. Who wants to live with guilt, or suffer the consequences of their actions?

There's a big problem with this, however. Shifting the blame to others, and not taking personal responsiblity for mistakes flies in the face of Gospel. Not only is it unjust, it serves only to increase the guilt and the problems we bring to ourselves and those close to us, as well.

The Bible holds us accountable for taking personal responsibility in all areas of our lives. Scripture contains many incidents of people trying to dodge personal responsiblity through blame-shifting. Earlier, I mentioned Adam and Eve. Cain acted similarly in Genesis 4:9. Pontius Pilate tried absolving his guilty part in the crucifixion of Christ (Matthew 27:24).

When we try to pass the blame off onto someone else for something we did, ultimately we are only fooling ourselves (Numbers 32:23). Every one of us has the personal responsibility to repent and believe the good news (Mark 1:15). We are also to glorify the Lord with good works (Ephesians 2:10).

My dear friends, If we try to shirk or ignore this responsibility we are in essence rejecting the truth of God (Romans 1:20). In the end, the blame game has no real winner.

Scripture: Matthew 7:3-5; 1 Corinthians 2:15; Proverbs 28:13; Romans 2:1; Romans 12:2 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom in my choices, and the strength of character to take responsibility for them. Amen

Have a blessed weekend!

Nicolette