Chapter 21 – “My behavior may be wrong, but it’s not my fault.”

Wilderness Mentality #6

How quickly we make excuses. I don’t want to go somewhere. I don’t want to do something. I cannot just say no. No, I have to provide my list of reasons for why I cannot. I have too much to do. I already have plans. The kids have activities.

How hard is it for us to just apologize without adding a “but”? I am sorry I acted that way, but I was in a horrible mood. I am sorry I forgot to get you, but I was so busy. I am sorry that I hurt you, but … well, I won’t come out and say it, but it’s all about me.

And don’t forget the “ifs”! If I had more money… If I had more time… If I didn’t have children… If I drove the right car… If I knew the right people… If I had the right friends… If I had grown up on the right side of the tracks…

I am so flawed and sinful that I am no longer able to take responsibility for my actions. Not even the good ones. I cannot take a compliment. But certainly don’t be critical of me. I can start laying blame every which way.

I am the way I am because of my past. How can you possibly expect me to do or be any better? This is all I have to work with.

The author comes right back with “I hate this thing, but this is why I keep it.”

Blame, Ifs and Buts are all the Devils words. If you find them in your head, tell the Devil to get right on out!

But Jesus is the LIGHT of the world. He won’t accept blame, ifs and buts. They belong to the darkness.

I received the perfect email this morning to go along with this … let me quote a bit:

“PAUSE before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me; this is atheistic living. I want to inhabit all your moments – gracing your thoughts, words and behavior.”

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence”

Emphasis mine.

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)