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Perceptions #200026
"It's Not My Fault"
by Penney F. Nichols
It was not Joseph's fault that his dad treated him with favoritism, thus teaching him that the world owed him. It was not his fault that his brothers hated him. It was not his fault that he was sold into slavery. It was not his fault that his boss's wife was an immoral woman. It wasn't his fault that men have faulty memories. For thirty years Joseph was the object of the actions of other people. But they could not control his attitude about all that happened.
We live in an unfair world where much that happens is not our fault. Other people affect our lives in so many ways. It may be parents who don't know how to parent or teachers, on a bad day, who ridicule a student. The sins of others have consequences for us. And it is not our fault!
What is a person to do? The answer is simple. It may not be my fault, but it is my responsibility. What does this mean then? It means that I am responsible to God for how I respond to what has happened. It means that I trust God to work out the unfairness for my long term good. This will likely involve several decisions - to accept the hurt which did take place; to choose the attitude of response to the problem; choosing to forgive the unfairness and the person who caused it; and perhaps even the decision to love the enemy (the one who did it).
It will not be the first time in which unfairness has been overcome by good. It was not fair for Jesus to die. It was not fair for a Father to turn away from his Son. It was not fair to have someone spit in his face. He should have been treated with respect. However, God took the unfairness and turned it into salvation.
There are two rules about life. Rule One is that life is unfair. Rule Two is that you can't change Rule One. So there it is. You can blame the unfairness. Or you can choose a different attitude. Don't forget the words of Paul. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28 NIV).
It may not be my fault. It is my responsibility!