Who Can I Blame?

Have you ever said, “It is not my fault. I wasn’t told”

Or, “Why are you stopping me, officer? No one put a speed limit sign up here?

How many ways can we say it is not our fault?

Does anyone listen to our blaming of others?

And do people really believe us?

The Blame Game began back in the Garden of Eden. Eve had fallen to the serpent’s temptation and had eaten of the forbidden fruit. She had then given it to Adam, and he too ate. They sensed they were naked for the first time. Then God asked (Genesis 3:11-12), “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”  (12)  Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” So Adam blamed Eve.

God followed up with Eve (Genesis 3:13), “…What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” She passed the blame on to the serpent.

No one wants to be responsible for things done wrong. We want to blame anyone other than ourselves. Back in grade school students who did not do their homework used the excuse “The dog ate it.” Remember? Or, parents blame teachers when the students get poor grades.  Teachers blame parents for not disciplining their children.  The boss asks, why didn’t you come to work? Our response: “Well, it was the mechanic’s fault. He had not finished repairing the car.”

It just goes on and on and on. So many times we blame others.

We try to deal with God the same way. We do those sinful things, the things we were told NOT to do. And we’re hoping God didn’t notice. Do you think it will work?

Can I blame that barely-covered gorgeous woman for my lust? Can I blame my envy on my neighbor because he enjoys washing his brand-new Lexus where I can see it? And I am not responsible for my anger at my wife. It’s her fault that she can’t cook, or clean, or cater to me.

God has told us to listen to his son. But we don’t read or listen to the Bible where His son is talking.

God has told us to believe in Jesus. But no one looks at the evidence

God has told us to change the direction of our lives, but you are going to do what YOU want to do.

He has told us to be immersed to have our sins forgiven. But you don’t think getting wet will make any difference to God.

He told us to live distinctively, not like everyone else. But, like I said a moment ago, you are going to do what you like doing. You plan on continuing to guzzle shots and snort lines. It makes you feel like you are really something special.

God has even spoken to people about how to stay saved after becoming a Christian. Oh, their preacher told them that once they are saved, they can’t be lost again. And that is quite convenient. You relate your salvation experience to a preacher, and suddenly you’re saved. Then you can get back to doing whatever you like to do.

Sadly, Paul told the saved Christians in Galatia (Galatians 5:4), “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” So, it is possible to be lost again.

And remember Simon the magician in Acts 8? He tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, like a business deal. Peter made sure Simon didn’t blame anyone else for this mistake. He said (Acts 8:20-23 ), “….“May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!  (21)  You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before god.  (22)  Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.  (23)  For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” This saved Christian was told he was now perishing. He was told he was not right before God. He was told to repent of wickedness. He was told he was shackled by iniquity. He was lost again.

So, what does God think about the Blame Game? To put it very simply, evenly bluntly, I don’t think he is playing that game with anyone.

In Deuteronomy 18, God prophecies about Jesus (Deuteronomy 18:18-19) “I will raise up for them a prophet like you (Moses) from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.  (19)  And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.”

Will God accept your blaming your preacher instead of listening to Jesus?

When Paul was writing the Roman church, he was addressing a mixed congregation. That is, a church with both prejudiced Jews and stubborn Gentiles. Some of them were condemning folks of the other race. But Paul made everyone equal when he wrote (Romans 14:10-12), “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;  (11)  for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”  (12)  So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

There won’t be anyone to blame. You will stand before God as an individual.

The Hebrew writer spoke of the Bible and what it is doing to us right now. (Hebrews 4:12-13) “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  (13)  And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Not only will we not be able to blame anyone, but all our secrets are exposed to him.

Peter speaks clearly about folks doing just what they want to do. And we see who will be held accountable. (1 Peter 4:3-5) “For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.  (4)  With respect to this they are surprised when you (the Christian) do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;  (5)  but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”

Anyone who does what he is going to do must be ready to explain that to God. He will not be allowed to blame anyone else.

The idea of Who Can I Blame ends with God. He will hold each of us responsible for what we have thought, said, and done. We made our choices. No one forced us.

Here at Timeless Talks, we want to help you with your situation. But we can’t do much until you contact us. So, leave a secure voice message at this number. Or send a text to it. You could send an email through the contact page or the prayer request page.

We want you to have the best life possible starting today. And if you do what God says, eternity with God becomes very hopeful.

Come back by tomorrow and let’s visit some more. Until then, Goodbye for now.