Daily Focus - Blame Game

"OK," I asked my daughter. "Where is the book report you were supposed to have done today?"

"Oh, that was due today?" she responded innocently.

"Yes, you knew it was due today. I reminded you last week, remember?" I replied.

I could see another excuse beginning to form in her mind, and from past experience, I knew what was coming.

"Yes, I remember," she answered, "but I had to do all those extra chores last week because the other kids were sick, so I didn't have time to finish writing my book report."

Not letting her off so easily I asked, "What about all the extra time you seemed to have to read other books and go for bike rides?"

"Oh, yeah, I guess I could have done it then," she reluctantly admitted.

Looking for someone else to blame when things go wrong in life is a common escape route from accountability. King Saul's response to Samuel in 1 Samuel 15 is a classic example. God had commanded Saul to utterly destroy everything when he went to war against the ungodly nation of Amalek. Instead, Saul kept livestock and other spoils for himself and the people. When Samuel heard the bleating sheep and asked Saul if he had obeyed God's command, Saul put the blame for his disobedience on the people. Eventually, when his back was against the wall, Saul admitted he was responsible for disobeying God's command.

Do you blame others for your foolish actions and bad choices? Do you point the finger and say, "If they hadn't been so...I wouldn't have...?" Whether in friendships, marriage, or homeschooling, God holds you accountable to faithfully obey Him in what He has commanded you to do. Blaming others is really trying to hide your own failings from God. The blame game first started in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, but you don't have to keep playing it in your home. Confess your sin instead and be healed! "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).

Father, thank You for Your forgiveness You freely give to me. Help me to acknowledge that the fault lies with me when I sin and keep my heart clean before You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.