Two-minute read.
Why do we blame God for our poor decisions? Each day, we make bad choices for numerous reasons. Yesterday, while golfing, I picked the wrong club. I knew as I swung the metal rod that I should have gone with a different one, yet I kept swinging. As a result, I shanked it in the woods, costing myself a stroke. I made that decision, not the Lord.
Just like in my twenties, when I led a promiscuous lifestyle, I made those choices. God clearly guides us in pre-marital relationships through His word. Raised in the church, “I knew better,” as my mother loved to tell me, but I did it anyway. The Lord didn’t lead me down that path of heartache and pain; I took those steps on my own.
And when we suffer the consequences, instead of taking responsibility for our actions, we blame God. Misplaced anger separates us from our Maker, stunts our growth, and prevents us from living life in abundance. Until we learn to take responsibility for our actions and accept our sinful nature, we can’t experience the grace Jesus offers.
“You have to love the good, the bad, and the ugly, all parts of yourself,” said my therapist in one of our first sessions. Through the work we’ve done together, I can look at the not-so-nice parts of myself, admit they exist, accept them, and learn to love them as I strive to become more like Jesus.
Transformation happens when we acknowledge our sins and allow Christ’s grace to help us do better.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
Don’t blame God for poor choices. Instead, confess them to the Savior, receive His grace, and allow Jesus to transform your life.
Journal Question:
When have you blamed God for your decisions?
How can you take more responsibility for your decisions?
In what ways does God help you make better choices?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for loving us despite our many flaws. Please help us take responsibility for our choices and make better decisions by seeking You first.
IJNIP. Amen
