While sitting outside of the coffee shop this morning thinking about how some people I know can’t seem to let go of the past and are always looking for a way to place blame, even when the blame they’re placing isn’t justified, I saw these cracks (faults) at my feet. It was a fitting image of life for some.
What drives a person to the point where everyone around them is at fault for their place in life? Gone are the days when personal responsibility was a life lesson taught in schools and homes. Today, it’s all about victimization, putting everyone but ourselves at fault for the place we have in life, and not being willing to forgive. It’s no wonder so many people are depressed, on drugs, and committing acts of violence.
Personally, I’ve made my share of mistakes in this life. I’ve let people down, I’ve chosen selfishness over love and sacrifice, and I’ve broken my word. And, so has everyone else. We’re all born into this life with that nature. But, I’ve never put my personal failures in the hands of another. To say my bad choices were due to someone else’s bad choices has just never occurred to me as a thing to do.
So, who’s fault is it anyway? Do other people’s bad choices affect the outcome of my life? Sure, they do. Every single day we’re faced with the results of other people’s bad choices. But, if we find ourselves in a place where all the fault is placed on others for anything wrong in our life, then we’re in a dangerous place.
Truthfully, I’ve met some who live in that world. Nothing they do is wrong and, whenever something goes wrong, then it’s so-in-so’s fault. They may not have even spoken with that person for years, but, because of what happened, or what they perceive happened, years ago, today’s problems must be because of that person.
No one wins the blame game. The only way to win is to quit playing. The only way to quit playing is to forgive others, no matter how bad they hurt us, and to walk every day in the understanding that we are the commanders of our own ship. Sometimes, I’d like to carry that plaque around President Truman put on his desk that says, ‘The Buck Stops Here’. So true…
So, today, it’s not about who’s fault it is. It’s about quitting the blame game and walking freely by letting go of the wrongs, or perceived wrongs, done by others. Only then will we find peace in our lives. Bitterness will rot our soul over time.
God wants us free from that plague. He gave a way to find forgiveness for our bad choices but, to receive that forgiveness, He requires us to forgive others of their bad choices too. So, today, let’s throw that blame game in the trash and walk free from the past. It may be tough, and it may not seem fair (trust me, I’m right there with you on that point), but, in the end, it will bring the peace we’ve been looking for.
Blessings always my friend,
Brad
