Weekend Spiritual Insight | Pointing Fingers Solves Nothing!

"Life changing repentance begins where blame shifting ends."  - Timothy Keller, American Presbyterian pastor, preacher, theologian (1950-2023)

As of this writing, events around the world appear to be deteriorating. Political unrest, international conflict, financial instability, and threats of annihilation rule the day. Sadly, for us here on earth, it's business as usual.

No one should be surprised. What we're seeing today is no different than any other time throughout history. Granted, there are periods where things seem to calm down for a bit, then something stirs things up, and the cycle repeats.

Yes, one could place the blame on another country, another religion or ideology, another political organization, another people, etc. That's easy enough to do. We've always been good at "pointing fingers."

"We could point fingers at one another all day" is an old idiom that signifies blaming or accusing one another for a problem or snafu. It brings to light the ineffectiveness of bickering instead of concentrating on a corrective action (Proverbs 21:2).

Unlike others, I'm not trying to present myself as both judge and jury on this particular subject. My intent here is to show what the Bible has to say about it. And as you might have figured out, the Bible speaks negatively about it.

The scriptures teach that one should take responsibility for their own actions, and make a sincere attempt at reconciliation instead of accusation. They also strongly encourage directly handling problems with the other party, while refraining from public shame or blame.

Included below are a few examples from the Bible:

• Proverbs 6:12-19 supports the idea that using one's body (such as pointing fingers) to damage or hurt another is considered a negative behavior.
• Isaiah 58:9 implies that the "pointing of fingers" is rude and/or disrespectful behavior that impedes or delays spiritual growth and God's blessings.
• Hosea 4:4 strongly alerts against "pointing fingers" and blaming others, asserting that it will bring about spiritual obstacles and destruction.
• Matthew 7:3-5 uses the analogy between a speck in a brother's eye in contrast to a plank in one's own eye to emphasize the importance of self-examination before making judgment against others.

"Pointing fingers" at each other makes it too easy to pass on the blame to someone else without incurring any personal risk, and avoid having any responsibility or accountability. 

This world in which we live is marred by sin. We, ourselves, suffer in kind. As such, it's not too difficult to lay the blame on someone or something when we are distressed or grieved.

Of course there are occasions when another party may disrupt or infringe upon our life of their own volition. In these instances, the Bible, too, provides measures we can take to correct the problem (Matthew 18:15–17).

Nevertheless, we must never get into the bad habit of scapegoating or blame-shifting others for our problems. If you have truly done something wrong, then take responsibility for whatever role you played in it (Galatians 6:5). Never let blame become second nature!

Scripture: Proverbs 6:34; Proverbs 28:13; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 2:1; James 1:14

Prayer: "Dear Lord, may I remember that Your forgiveness and grace are always available, and that I should never resort to blaming others to make myself feel better or justified. Free me from the cycle of blame and help me build healthier relationships instead. In Your name, Amen." 

May God richly bless you,

~Eve