"When a man's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord." Proverbs 19:3
Comedian Flip Wilson portrayed a character that he named "Geraldine." That character is credited with the phrase, "The devil made me do it!" No matter how funny it was, it was also quite accurate. When we do something we shouldn't or make a questionable choice, we often tend to blame another person or a circumstance for it rather than taking personal responsibility.
This has become rampant in our society. If a child makes bad grades, his teacher must be doing something wrong. If we aren't successful at our job, it is because of bad management. If we have a horrible habit, it is because our parents didn't teach us correctly. Do any of these sound familiar? I'm not saying that we never have negative circumstances that influence our choices. What I am saying is that, in the end, we use the mind that God gave each of us to ultimately make the choice.
Proverbs 28:13 warns us against concealing our transgressions. In other words, we need to own up to our actions. If someone makes us angry and we respond with ugly words, we need to take responsibility for those words. To wound someone else is never acceptable. They may have transgressed against us in some way, but that does not give us permission to respond with hurtfulness.
Another regular occurrence is placing the blame on God. "I wouldn't have done that if God had only provided what I asked for." "God made me this way. He knew I would be like this." That second phrase hits very close to home. I have an eating disorder. Rather than asking Him for His help, which He is ready and willing to give, I have spent far too many years in my life blaming Him for creating my body in the way He did. Yes. He did create me. And yes, He did know what weaknesses I would have. However, His plan was for me to walk with Him and to trust that what is impossible for me is possible with Him. Our Father wants to be just that. Our Father. He desires for us to turn to Him in times of difficulty. No matter what we are tempted with, He can get us through it.
What do you struggle with? What is there in your life that it is easier to blame someone or something else for rather than take the responsibility yourself? What would change if you turned to the Lord and allowed Him to cleanse you and guide you in the future? Whatever it is, I hope you let Him transform it. Take His hand. He loves you far more than you can ever imagine. May He bless your week.
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