I’m a little late getting here this morning. An icy night slowed down some things. But here I am! 🙂 🙂
“Not me.” “Not me.” “Not me.”
If she heard it once she heard it a thousand times. My mom raised 4 boys. There was 10 years difference between me and the youngest brother so he was too young to get in on the “not me” party.
Something happened. Mom found out. She would line us up and ask which one of us did it. “Not me” three times. Then she would look at one of my brothers and say, “Why did you do it?” The weeping and gnashing of teeth would appear and the different reasons out of their mouths, but she had found her culprit. My brothers were guilty and she exposed their lie.
As it was, so it still is. Not with them. I’m not that aware of all that is going on in their worlds to be the “action police.” No, I’m talking on a daily basis. The “not me” was an attempt to shift the blame elsewhere and not take responsibility.
We all tend to think we are more righteous than we are. We don’t like to think we are messed up as we are, as in need of God’s grace as we are, as sinful as we are. I’m good (maybe you too?) at throwing out the excuses and looking for someone else to throw under the bus. Making excuses seems to be easier than admitting fault.
I was in a meeting yesterday with some area folks where accountability was brought up as something missing in a certain organization. And that is what all this is about. Accountability before a God who knows all, but wants us to admit our sin, confess it and seek His grace.
It is time for an honest reckoning of our need for God’s unlimited and forgiving grace…as we are honest and accountable to Him.
“Father, the ‘not me’ doesn’t work with You. You want and need me to be honest with You and with myself.”
P.S. As you probably noted, I highlighted their guilt in the “not me” scenario.” It stands to reason I was guilty…once or twice or….
I was the middle of three boys. My older brother was eight years older than I was, and my younger brother was 10 years younger than I was (putting 18 years between the oldest and youngest). We never had a chance to play “not me.” the culprit was always obvious.
That old “middle child” syndrome hit you did it? 🙂 Thanks for the input Glynn.
People have been shifting blame since Adam and Eve . . .
Yes, God wants us to come clean and admit that we have sinned. Why is that so hard sometimes?
Thanks for the reflection today, Bill.
Blessings!
Why is it so hard? Very good question Martha. You’re welcome.
Accepting responsibility and being willing to be held accountable is a forgotten idea in the world we live. The world today, Christians included… self included, tend to make excuses, blame upbringing or circumstance, and take no responsibility for one’s actions. The result is a world of people who do what they want without the fear or concern of repercussions or consequences. That was one area where, as a parent, I required and expected that my children take responsibility for their actions. It wasn’t always easy. However, I didn’t let them do it alone. I stood beside them and walked the walk with them when needed. As adults, it becomes easier to lose sight of the accountability portion. The hidden vices that keep us from fully enjoying a growing relationship with Christ. The interesting thing is… I believe, that Jesus knows we are sinners… knows we are broken… knows that we often come with a pile of garbage… What tends to hold me back is not Jesus pushing me away with an upturned nose and outstretched palms… It is me burying my head (or at least my heart) in shame knowing that I failed again… and again… and again. And if I would just look up, I would see Jesus… not with hands holding me back, but with arms ready to embrace and a smile that can only come from grace and forgiveness.
Wow… that was a bit… I’ll stop now.
You write like you have written a blog before. 🙂 But I am indebted to you for your insight Ryan. Thanks. I have absolutely no argument whatsoever with what you wrote.
yeah, our pride and sense of having arrived so easily propels into that ‘holier than thou’ mentality.
ugly, isn’t it. thank you, God, for your mercy, new every morning.
You are speak truth here Linda. I am grateful His mercies are new every morning.