Used with Permission by, Linda DeSilva
Excuses! From infancy, we use them to ‘pass the buck’. “The dog ate my homework.” (BC – before computers!) “Sorry – project’s not complete – computer problems!” “The alarm clock didn’t go off.” “It wasn’t my idea! He made me do it!” I guess we have all played ‘The Blame Game’ at some point. Currently, the world-wide pandemic and unavailability of testing results, miscalculations/missteps of those in leadership/Government, Police, gang violence, traffic violations, etc. – are all being blamed for our Island’s economic and social woes.
This is not a new phenomenon. It started in the Garden of Eden when Adam was confronted by God and answered Him: “The woman You gave me … she offered me the fruit and I ate it.” Then Eve blamed the serpent. It has continued ever since, as seen in this quote from a book on the early Church: “In one of his writings, Tertullian describes how the Christians were blamed for everything: “… if there is an earthquake or famine or plague, straight away the cry arises: “The Christians to the lions.” (John Legg – The Footsteps of God) Nero even blamed them for burning Rome!
When life goes awry, it is so much easier (but fruitless) to find a scapegoat for our failures and misfortunes than it is to take responsibility and work towards a solution. Likewise, in the spiritual realm, when we try to excuse our sin or blame it on someone else (including the devil) we add to our guilt and shame. Forgiveness requires confession. ‘If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:9 NIV)
“Everyone has sinned…but by the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with Him through Christ who sets them free.” (Romans 3:23 & 24 NIV)
ETCetera 