Day: February 26, 2021

We have messed-up many things, many times over the years. We were lucky enough to get out of at least a few of them without being caught. However, many times we were caught red-handed. How did you face such situations? We were questioned left and right as to why we ended up making this mistake, how this happened and so on. When confronted, it is a normal tendency to answer with many excuses, like – it is not my fault, it is because of this/that, it is because of you/him/her/them and so on….. We usually try to blame others or the situations or even God for the mishaps. Is it okay to be handling mistakes this way?

Let us open the treasure book and find clues.

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK

In Genesis chapter 2 we see that, God after creating Adam, took him and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend it and keep it. God commanded him that he could eat from every tree in the garden except from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Knowing it is not good that Adam is alone, God also made him a companion – a woman. In Genesis chapter 3, we see that the serpent lured the woman into eating the forbidden fruit. She also gave it to her husband Adam and he too ate it. Then their eyes were opened and they knew they messed up. When God came to meet them, they hid from Him as they were afraid to face Him. God asked Adam, “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” He answered, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, gave me and I ate.” When God asked the woman she said, the serpent deceived me and I ate.

Here we see that, when Adam was questioned about the mistake, rather than taking the responsibility and giving a simple answer – “Yes, I did”, he replied “The woman whom YOU gave me, gave it and I ate.” Eating the forbidden fruit is the act of disobedience here. Although, eating the fruit was his own willful choice, Adam blamed the woman and God Himself. He in fact blamed God for providing him a companion and blamed his companion – the woman, for giving the fruit to him. The woman also behaved similarly when questioned. She too, rather than taking the responsibility and answering “I am sorry I ate it”, blamed the serpent.

The blaming did not help either of them. God is a righteous judge. Adam, Eve and the serpent were punished for their respective actions. Even though tempted by the serpent, it was their (Adam & Eve) willful choice to eat the fruit.

Blaming one another or God or the situation is not the right way to handle mess-ups or mistakes. We alone are responsible for our actions because our actions are an outcome of our own willful choice, even if influenced by others. So blaming others or God doesn’t help.

Always make sure to speak the truth. If you made a mistake, take responsibility for your actions by first admitting it rather than blaming others or situations. As we saw, blaming doesn’t help. It only hurts and puts a strain on the relationships that are involved. If Adam & Eve handled the situation differently, things would have turned out much better for them, because God is gracious and merciful.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

Proverbs 28:13

The word of God also clearly states that covering up sins will not turn out to be good eventually, but confessing them will open doors to mercy. Covering up the mess or concealing it might save our face for a short period, however it will surface eventually and will get us into a deeper state of mess. Although, confessing mistakes is not an easy process, it will fetch us mercy and will bring us peace eventually.

So first, confess your mistakes and repent before God. Tell Him, “Father I messed up. Please forgive me. I am truly sorry for my actions”. He is just and faithful to forgive us. Then ask for His help and guidance to come out of it. He will cover us with His mercy and grace, and guide us out of the mess.

Treasures uncovered

Do not play the Blame Game like Adam & Eve. We alone are responsible for our actions and no-one else. So be bold to admit your mistakes and take responsibility. Do not conceal it, but repent and ask for forgiveness. God is faithful and just to forgive us.

Prayer:

Father, we thank you for teaching us on how to handle mess-ups. Please forgive us for concealing it and blaming it on others. Help us to realize our mistakes, take responsibility and confess it before you. Father, forgive us our trespasses. In Jesus name, Amen.

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