Scripture Reading: Romans 6:1-11

The Blame Game

Do I want to assign blame for the problem, or do I want to find a solution to it?
In the mundane world, just as in the spiritual one, I do something wrong, or I don’t live up to my own expectations. The most human of impulses is to seek self-justification, to call it an accident, or say that it was someone else’s fault, or to cite forces beyond my control − I had no choice. But, listen to what these words really mean! Listen carefully! “No choice” is supposed to mean “no guilt.” “No choice” and “no guilt” also mean “no change.” “No change” means that I am trapped in sin. All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) So then it is safe to assume that sin is the starting point at which we find ourselves.

The Apostle Paul starts today’s passage, Romans 6:1-11, with a question: Shall we go on sinning? We are trapped in sin when we seek self-justification. Paul teaches in today’s passage that the way out of the trap is to seek justification through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There is a choice, but it starts when we accept that we are guilty.

The good news, though, is that precisely the acceptance of guilt means that the Holy Spirit working in us can call forth change. Praise God for an exit from the Blame Game!

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me acknowledge the sin in my life, and help me remember that it is more important to confess and repent, than it is to try to avoid blame for the things I have done. I know that stubborn pride gets in the way, but soften my hard heart. I don’t want to continue as I did before. You have given me a way out; you have redeemed me. All honor and praise to you for the mighty deed you have done! Amen.