Blaming Others

Think of the last time you did something wrong. Why did you do it? Did any of these common excuses cross your mind?

“My brother (or friend) made me do it.” “Everyone else was doing it.” “The Devil made me do it.”

The Blame Game is Nothing New

When we make a mistake, it is easy to blame someone else. This habit goes all the way back to the beginning of time.

When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve for his choice. In doing so, he was also blaming God for giving him the woman. Eve, in turn, blamed the serpent (Genesis 3).

Later in history, King Saul blamed his soldiers for his own disobedience (1 Samuel 15). Yet, the truth remains: when we do something wrong, we are ultimately responsible.

The Power to Choose

Other people may tempt you to do wrong, or pressure you to disobey your parents and God. However, you—and only you—choose whether to obey or disobey.

Others might make it difficult to make the right choice, and you might even feel embarrassed. But you still have the power to make the right decision.

God has promised to provide a way out of every temptation, but He never promised it would be easy. In fact, your friends might think you are strange when you choose to do what is right (1 Peter 4:4).

While peers might criticize a good choice, God will approve of it. You will also feel much better about yourself when you do the right thing.

Taking complete responsibility for your actions is one of the most important steps you can take. People who constantly blame others for their choices will never grow to be strong or responsible.

The Path to Maturity

When you recognize your mistakes and accept the consequences, you take a major step toward maturity. Good people respect those who admit their faults, try to fix their mistakes, and accept the outcomes.

Be strong. Some of the most important words you can ever say are:

“I’m sorry. I made a wrong decision. Please forgive me, and tell me what I can do to make it right.”

By taking responsibility, you will build self-respect, earn the trust of others, and bring glory to God.