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I Don’t Know! It Wasn’t Me!
It’s amazing how children come into the world with the ready-made response, “I don’t know!” Whenever asked how something occurred or how something was broken the immediate response is “I don’t know!” Whenever asked where something is that has been misplaced the question is met with a resounding “I don’t know!” Then children are quick to add, “It wasn’t me!” The irony is we don’t have to teach our children how to deny responsibility or how to get the attention off of them when it comes to possible consequences. The same is true for many adults. The creativity in denying culpability can become rather interesting. Yet, the bottom line is the same, “It wasn’t me!”The story of Moses, Aaron, Israel and the golden calf is a perfect example of trying to shift blame. In Exodus 32:1-35 the people of Israel have grown bored because of the absence of Moses as he is on the mountain with God. They wanted to entertain themselves and asked Aaron, the brother of Moses to make a image of gold that they could worship. Aaron collected all their gold and with it crafted a calf. When Moses returned from the mountain his anger toward Israel and his brother was raging. He held them all responsible for their despicable acts, but turned the brunt of his attention to his brother. “What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?” (Ex 32:21). Aaron tried to explain it all away by blaming the people. They wanted a god to lead them since Moses was absent. Then it was his next statement that shows how human beings avoid responsibility for their action even when it sounds ridiculous. Aaron explained to Moses how he told the people, “Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off. Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!” (Ex 32:24).
In our relationship with God we will sometimes make bad choices and commit foolish acts. Yet, in the long run, it will be so much better for us if we just take ownership of what we do. God is a God who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God knows that we will fail him and fall short of his glory. That’s why he sent us his Son so that we may know firsthand the love and forgiveness of God. Instead of making excuses, especially far-fetched ones, let us have the courage to confess our sins to God and seek God’s mercy and compassion. Let today be the beginning of a new relationship with God. The Lord of Love wants to forgive us and set us free from all that blocks our relationship with him.
