It Was Not Me

Daily Devotional – Thursday, November 2, 2023
Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”
Genesis 3:12 (NKJV)

“Who killed Jesus?” The Bible teacher asked.
All hands went up. Each of the 4-6 year-old children appeared to have an answer.
“You,” The teacher said, pointing at one enthusiastic boy.
“It was not me!” The innocent boy shouted. He was not ready to bear blame for a crime he had not committed.

I am Not the One

As I joined in the laughter of the people around me, I asked myself why a child would think of denying participating in a crime instead of remembering what he had been taught about the death of Jesus. I realized that there is an innate human tendency to avoid responsibility for evil and to blame others instead.

Indeed, it appears to be an inherited trait. Take a visit to the Garden of Eden on the day Eve and Adam ate the forbidden fruit to understand why. When God asks Adam whether he had eaten the prohibited fruit, our father answers, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:12).

It Was the Serpent

Adam does not admit his sin. He blames Eve and God, by extension, because the Creator gave Eve to Adam. One would expect the person who was the first to take and eat the fruit to admit her guilt. Our mother, though, told God, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate” (Verse 13). What a ridiculous blame game!

Yet, that is what most of us do when we veer off the right path. Like Eve, our ultimate scapegoat is the devil. Then we add our friends, spouses, neighbours and so on. Only one person does not appear on the blame list: ourselves!

It Was Not Me

What is the antidote to this disease? Instead of blaming others for your wrong decisions and actions, heed God’s call: “Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the LORD, your God.” (Jeremiah 3:13). All God desires from us is repentance, upon which He will pardon us fully.

Whenever you find yourself on the wrong side of God, do not look for scapegoats. Stop looking for people to blame. You are the only one responsible. By admitting your fault, you are creating room for the Spirit of God to help you overcome sin. Today, do not say, “It was not me.” Rather, say, “I am guilty, God. Forgive me.”

Prayer
Dear God. I acknowledge my sin. Forgive me and give me strength to overcome sin.