MEMORY VERSE: ‘’And the LORD God said unto the woman, what is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, the serpent beguiled me, and I did eat”Genesis 3:13
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 3:9-13
INTRODUCTION
The “blame game” signifies accusations exchanged among people who refuse to accept the responsibility for some undesirable events or outcomes.These people shift fault and liability to another person or thing while they paint themselves as flawless. We need to examine some negative effects of the “blame game” and learn to take responsibility for our actions instead of passing the buck.
OUTLINE
1.NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE “BLAME GAME”
2. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE “BLAME GAME”
The following, among others,are some negative effects of the “blame game”
1.‘CHASING SHADOWS’: It makes us leave the main issue and continually look for excuses. For example, a slothful person will transfer blame to his boss, colleague, government, etc,instead of dealing with laziness Proverbs 20:4.
2.STAGNATION: It keeps us on one spot for a long time. This is counter- productive to human progress. Some people fold their arms to do nothing about their predicament because they blame and believe others are responsible for their conditions Proverbs 22:13; Ecclesiastes 11:4.
3.‘NEVER WRONG SYNDROME’: Such people are quick at absolving themselves of any wrongdoing while they see every other person as being at fault 1 John 1:8; Genesis 3:12.
4.DEPRESSION: It leads to unhappiness and despair which can degenerate to depression, ill-health, hopelessness ,etc.
5.MENTAL BLINDNESS: Like a veil, it prevents one from seeing solutions clearly as there is only a focus on supposed wrong of others Matthew 7:3.
6.HATRED: It produces deep-rooted hatred as the “blame game” condemns or speaks derogatively about the person being blamed. Hatred is a terrible sin 1 John 4:20.
7.PRIDE AND IGNORANCE COMBINED: Pride sets in when we over-rate ourselves. It combines with ignorance because we refuse to be sincere with ourselves Philippians 2:3.
8.INGRATITUDE: “Blame gamers” are unappreciative as they believe their benefactor can do more 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
9.BITTERNESS: “Blame gamers” become offended and allow bitterness to take an evil root in them Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15.
10.DESTRUCTION OF RELATIONSHIPS: It tears relationships through suspicion and a lack of trust 1 Samuel 18:8-9.
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
Taking responsibility for one’s actions or inactions may not be easy, but it is worth it in the long run. Hence, we must learn to sincerely acknowledge our wrong when we are at fault Psalm 51:4a; 1 Kings 21:29. We must show a high level of personal accountability for our actions/inactions even in the face of failure 2 Samuel 12:13. Let us ask God to create a right spirit in us to be swift to acknowledge that there is a problem when a mistake is made, or conflict arises Psalm 51:10; 2 Samuel 24:17. Identify your role in a blunder and plan how to avoid a future occurrence James 1:13-14.
CONCLUSION
Stop trading blames, take responsibility for your actions/inactions, and be accountable.