It's Not My Fault - Course Correction #3

People put forth a lot of reasons why they do what they do: parents, friends, finances, diet, medical issues, circumstances. The list goes on and on, even leaving out the "Twinkie Defense."

In the garden of Eden at the fall of man Adam tried to shift the blame to Eve for their disobedience. Eve tried to blame the serpent, and the serpent didn't have a leg to stand on.

No, we do not do what we do because of anything or anyone outside of us. There are too many people under the same or a similar circumstances who do not make those bad choices and therefore avoid the consequences.

Rather it is due to what is inside of us, in our hearts. Allow me to give you a demonstration. When we take a tea bag, place it in a teacup, and fill the cup with hot water, the water activates the tea in the bag, unleashing its taste into the surrounding water. The hot water did not create the taste; it merely revealed or drew out what was already in the bag. By the same token, the pressures around us merely draw out of our hearts what is already inside. They expose what lies down deep within.

Mark in Mark 7:21-23 said: "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness [shameless sensuality], and evil eye [envy], blasphemy [slander], pride [arrogance], foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."

Sadly, any attempt we make at consistently making good choices on our own steam is destined to failure. As flawed human beings we simply do not have it within us. The good news is that Christ-followers can lean on Holy Spirit to guide and lead.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded." James 4:7-8