He was in again. ISS or In School Suspension. While in
middle school, my son seemed strangely attracted to this place. He got in less
trouble here. After all, he owned his own cubicle. No one could bother him nor
could he annoy anyone else.
Questioning why he was there produced interesting answers. Occasionally he
confessed his crime and welcomed the consequences. More frequently, he
complained that someone else was responsible. They were talking, but the teacher
nailed him. Or the teacher just had it in for him. Seldom was anything his
fault, and rarely did he want to take responsibility.
God allowed the ground to open and swallow the group who rebelled against his
chosen leaders. But instead of admitting the rebels made the mistake of
disobeying, the people complained. The next day the whole Israelite community
grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “You have killed the LORD’s people,” they said
(Numbers 16:41).
The attempt to escape responsibility for life’s mistakes and acts of
disobedience against God is widespread. Complaining that our failures are
someone else’s fault is always preferable. Adam tried to pass the responsibility
buck when God confronted his disobedience, and Eve continued the pattern.
Admitting our failures and taking responsibility for our sins relieves us of the
need to complain that someone or something else is to blame. Salvation depends
on admitting our sins, healthy relationships are formed when each person assumes
personal accountability, and a responsible life is bred by owning up to our
mistakes. Blaming and complaining may appear easier, but admitting
responsibility and taking ownership are healthier.
Prayer: Almighty God, Father of mercy and grace, move us to acceptance and
repentance when we’ve missed Your standard rather than complaints that others
have led us down an erroneous path.
Martin Wiles
Hodges,
South Carolina, USA
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