The Blame Game

 

Little Things, Part 5

 

Introduction

Siblings always will try to blame the other for something that went wrong, especially if something gets broken in the process. They may be the one who broke it, but will blame the brother or sister because they were distracted.

In my own household, it was always the older blaming the younger for things that go wrong. But what happens when they try to blame a parent? Don’t think it could happen? It is our “little thing” for this article.

 

In the Garden

In the first three chapters of Genesis, we see the creation of the world and, specifically in chapter 2, the creation of man and woman. God put man in the garden to tend to it and in verses 2:16-17 He said, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

This is very straight-forward; dozens of trees to eat from; leave the one alone. To me, this seems more than fair. However, Eve didn’t think so and, eventually, neither did Adam.

 

Passing the Blame

In chapter 3, we see the conversation between the serpent and Eve with her eating of the forbidden fruit and then giving some to her husband. They chose to listen to the serpent, rather, than listen to their creator; the one who made them and gave them this splendid garden to live in and to take care.

Although they didn’t physically die, they did spiritually die as they went against God’s word. And, going against His word, caused them to hide from His presence. In verse 9, it states that God asks, “Where are you?” But, of course, He already knew where they were and what they are done.

Let’s look at the conversation and notice the “little thing” that some might overlook. Here are verses 11-13, And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” And the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

From this we know that Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and as the joke goes, the serpent didn’t have a leg to stand on. But let’s look closer at what Adam says, for this is very important, “The woman whom You gave to be with me…” Notice that Adam is pointing the finger of blame at God! ‘You’re the one that gave me this woman, this is your fault that I committed this wrongdoing.’

 

It’s God’s Fault, not Mine.

It’s so easy for us to pass the blame of our lives on someone else, including God. For example, Salvation is so hard, being nice to others is difficult, why do you allow me to suffer this way? And on and on and on.

God never once in scripture ever mentioned that the life of His children would be easy. In fact, if you read the Old Law, we somewhat have it easier than they did. No burnt sacrifices, no grain or drink offerings, etc.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” The Broad Way is the easiest because it leads straight to Hell. Most choose that path because it is the easiest.

To go the Narrow Way is more difficult because you have to work at it on a daily basis. Paul writes in Phil. 2:12, …work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. This is not saying figure it out for yourself but, rather, work at it yourself and don’t hold anyone else responsible to do the work for you. It is your soul, your salvation, and, yes, it’s your responsibility.

 

Conclusion

Take ownership of your life by accepting thing when troubles befall you. Don’t point the finger at anyone else.

Remember, you’re not alone in your walk with God. You have the brethren to lean on for support. As Paul writes in Galatians 6:1-2, Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.