“Don’t try to disclaim responsibility by saying you didn’t know.” Proverbs 24.12 TLB
“Blame is a lame attempt to avoid facing your own truth.”
My thoughts today are about “blame.”
What kid has not deflected blame by saying, “It’s not my fault; it’s theirs!” Blaming someone else never does much good, but people do it all the time. Adam and Eve did it in the otherwise perfect surroundings of Eden, and most everyone since has done so. Imagine how much better everything would be today if they had just said, “Yeah, I did it; I was wrong; I’m sorry!”
Blame McDonalds for their coffee being too hot when you clumsily spill the cup in your lap. Blame your parents for your unhappiness as an adult. Blame the fast food industry for your obesity when you can’t resist “biggie sizing.” Blame the auto manufacturer when your unsafe driving causes a tragic accident. Blame the President, or Congress, or Democrats, or Republicans, or all of the above, when the world’s political situations are not to your liking. Does it change anything?
Assigning fault and blame in any situation is not as easy as you may presume, because of our always limited knowledge and often faulty judgment. Be charitable when forming opinions about others, as you hope others will view you charitably. “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4 NKJV. It is easier to fault others than accept responsibility yourself. Read Matthew 7:1-5 NLT.
On President Harry Truman’s desk in the Oval Office was a sign that read simply, “The buck stops here.” He had to make some difficult and unpopular decisions, such as the first use of an atomic bomb against Japan to end World War ll. But he accepted full responsibility for his actions and decisions. As our 33rd President (1945-53), he led our nation at a challenging time of war in Japan and later in Korea, as well as dealing with a struggling economy.
He was not always popular, but was respected for his mid-western honesty. In office, he had the lowest approval of any President before or since, but some political historians would now rank Harry Truman among the top ten Presidents, along with Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt.
Blame is usually a lame attempt to avoid facing your own truth. Do you believe what Jesus said? “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32. Avoiding the truth is the surest way to keep re-living your mistakes, and then wondering why. Until you admit your mistake, you keep having problems and placing blame elsewhere. “Don’t try to disclaim responsibility by saying you didn’t know . . God knows all hearts . . and He will reward everyone according to their deeds.” Proverbs 24:12 TLB.
There is one sure way to stop “passing the buck.” Live in such a way that you are without blame yourself, and you will see no need to shuffle the blame to any other! “That you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a generation . . among whom you shine like stars in the world. Hold firmly the message of life . . ” Philippians 2:15-16.
My prayer for you is that you will always value truth, and live in its freedom.