I do a lot of things that I am not proud of. I make mistakes. Sometimes I yell at my kids. I do things that I know aren’t right when I do them. I don’t know why, but I do. We all do. Basically, I guess, It just simply comes down the fact that we are all sinful people. As much as I would like to pretend I am perfect, I am not.
One of the things I do to pretend I am perfect is to fail to take responsibility for my actions. It is very easy to make excuses and to put the blame on other people, my circumstances, other organizations, church, family, my past, or even blame it on God. I feel better about myself if I can find someone or something else to blame for my behaviors. If it is not my fault, then someone else has to do the work to change. If it is my fault, then I am the one that has to change and I really do not like change. I get comfortable in my little groove and it is hard to change my ways.
There are many things that impact my behavior. My parents teaching, my past, our history, my socioeconomic status, the behavior of those around me, the weather, my tiredness and energy level, and even that pizza I ate before I went to bed. All of this plays a part in me being who I am and the behaviors I exhibit. But, they are not excuses. Our basic human nature is sinful and I find myself in trouble every time I put myself first, instead of seeking first the kingdom of God. I put my own desires first. I want to be liked. I want to be first. I want to be the best. I want to do it my way. I want…
That is the beginning of sin. “I want…” It is time to stop blaming other people, our past, our circumstances, or God for our behaviors. “You made me this way” is a lie. I made myself this way by the choices I’ve made and the people I have listened to.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1: 13-15
But there is hope for me to be a better person. As we continue going through the book of James, we will see next time the hope that we have.
