WHAT IF I THINK I'M RIGHT?
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “The man said, ‘The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.’ Then the Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this that you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’” Genesis 3:12-13, ESV
Theme: Own your part; don’t shift the blame.
OWN YOUR PART
You know what isn’t good news? That in every conflict, both parties have some responsibility. For me that’s bad news because I have two teenagers at home. Sometimes, there is conflict about chores, schoolwork, family schedules, or even church. My oldest has become quite a proficient cook. She can follow a recipe and even enjoys making little changes to familiar dishes. Usually, I love this! It can be so helpful. One Sunday afternoon, I was tired after church and was making some tomato soup from a Pinterest recipe I have used often. A bay leaf was lost in the soup, and my daughter was searching diligently for it. I, having had this problem before, brushed her aside and commenced pureeing the contents of the pot. I thought my way was right. She was hurt. I was in a hurry. We both got angry, and it nearly sparked World War III. Over a bay leaf? The soup tasted good. However, we all lost our appetites because of the argument. It was over our pride, really, and our mutual need to be understood and be found “right.”
BLAME GAME
Often, it’s true that someone else’s actions have an effect on our own attitude. Yet we are able to persist in doing right, even if another’s influence leaves us off-balance. God will always provide a way of escape from the temptation to sin if we are willing to take it. When we don’t act in ways that we know glorify God, we don’t have a right to claim innocence, explain ourselves, or avoid consequences. Unfortunately, our actions have consequences. In the original sin story Eve made a choice, Adam made a choice, and those choices resulted in consequences. They may have sinned because of listening to someone else – but when they allowed a liar to convince them they ignored God’s explicit instructions, period. There is no way to shift blame to someone else for deliberate disobedience. As a parent, I know this to be true. An honest and repentant sinner is easy to accept. A self-righteous excuse maker? Not so much.
I’M THE PROBLEM; IT’S ME
Taylor Swift, anyone? (Antihero, Taylor Swift, 2022) We all make mistakes. We are all the problem. At the very least, I am a part of the problem, if only I can bring myself to admit it. When it came to the bay leaf and the soup, I was the problem. By being in a big rush and brushing my budding chef aside, I caused division at dinner. I apologized for being insensitive, pushing, rushing, and not taking her opinion into consideration. It doesn’t actually matter what the other person does (though she did also own her part and make things right). When we own up, we honor God and can seek forgiveness. Boy, do I plan to do better next time!
Make It Personal: When I make a mistake, do I own my part or make excuses? How can I choose to resist the temptation to sin when someone else’s influence is pushing me in the wrong direction?
Pray: God, please show me the ways I have avoided taking responsibility. Help me to make the first move and go make it right as soon as possible. Help me to love other person (and You) better by choosing to face my problems not blame them on anyone else. Thank You for being with me and helping me when I feel trapped. Amen.
Read: Psalm 51:3-5; Genesis 4:6-10; Romans 2:1
Weekly Memory Verse:
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6, ESV