Growing my spiritual life: Quit playing the blame game

Genesis 3:12 Adam pointing at the woman: It was she! The woman You gave me as a companion put the fruit in my hands, and I ate it.

The Voice commentary

Since Adam and Eve, people have been blaming others for their mistakes. Adam has the audacity to blame God for his.

13 God to the woman: What have you done? Eve: It was the serpent! He tricked me, and I ate.

Excuses do not change outcomes.

Just like Adam and Eve, we sometimes place the blame for our problems on someone else.

The blame games keep us from growing and using the gifts God has given us to lead a full life.

Christians suffer terribly when they place blame on others or make them responsible for real or imagined wrongs they may have suffered.

This world will never be perfect.

Deal with the fact that you will go through hard times -- whether of your own making or at the hands of others. That's how life on earth is.

But here's the bright spot:  you can cope and move on. Don't be proud. Seek help.

You will be disappointed by those you admire or love the most.

Fact of life: the only one who should be on our life pedestal is Holy God. Everyone else (or thing) you worship isn't worthy.

This includes family, friends, church family and people in all walks of your life. The life of Jesus is the best example. If God wasn't well-received among his people, don't you expect more.

Good people do and say stupid things.

The key for us is not to get offended. As Christians (or decent people), we should always react to offense with the most loving response.

This doesn't mean you sugarcoat or ignore sin. If you are criticized, step back and consider what the other person says. Process it before you act.

Let go of the tendency for revenge and blame.

Life is easier when you confront what has happened. Decide how you will deal with it. Then take action or move on. Leave it to God.

Don't be easily offended.

Remember: no one can walk a mile in your shoes. Don't expect them to know or understand your struggle.

Pick battles that will result in the best outcome. 

You decide how to deal with your life. Evil should never be your influence -  kidding or not. The evil one doesn't make you do anything. You get to decide.  

Don't play the blame game.