It's not my fault!

How often have we heard or even uttered those exact words when something goes wrong? It’s often an initial reaction before we think of all the ramifications. We don’t like to be wrong or liable and quickly grope for ways explain or justify failure or setback by placing blame on self last, if at all.

Christian conversion starts with admission of guilt, inadequacy and wrongdoing in thought and behavior. For a human that is courageous and bold.

When the apostle Peter preached on Pentecost after Christ ascended to heaven his words were indicting to the assembled crowd in Jerusalem. Many of these people no doubt were involved in the crowd tumult in Jerusalem at Christ’s crucifixion. Notice what he said: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death" (Acts 2:22-23, emphasis added throughout). He then added in Acts 2:36: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Those assembled hearing this sermon could have easily shifted blame on to the Jewish leaders who hated Christ, on to Herod who feared Christ, and on to the Roman government that actually executed Jesus. After all, they didn’t actually run the spear into his side. But their reaction was not to shirk the indictment, but to take responsibility: “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:38).

This is the entry question for what it takes to be a Christian: “What shall we do?”

Peter obliged by answering: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

What he said was that one must change his ways, make a commitment through baptism and then receive God’s Spirit.

The process is straightforward, but it starts with taking responsibility for your life. This should continue through your life.

Paul writes in Galatians 6:4-5: “Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done. Each person must be responsible for himself” (New Century Version).

Ask yourself: Am I taking responsibility for my life and what happens in it, or am I tempted to become a victim of what someone else has done?

In my role as president of the United Church of God I must continually ask this. If things don’t always go the way I like them to, I need to find solutions and remedies. I must admit that we must do things better.

This position is the most constructive and garners support and respect.

Fixing blame continually on others is delusional and doesn’t help. Christianity is a life of accountability and consequent blessing from God. Let’s all view our lives in the light of this principle!