fault

2 Chronicles 6-7 – Lord Fix THEM!

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When a couple goes to marriage counseling, one spouse is often trying to blame the other for the problem. But, for a marriage to be better, each spouse must take responsibility for their own faults and contributions.

This is where it gets difficult.

We’re good at seeing others’ faults, and we tend to believe that things would be better if they just got their act together. But, if we keep that other-focused mindset, things rarely get better.

In 2 Chronicles chapter 6, Solomon is praying to God about the people of Israel. He asks God to forgive them and take them back when they stray from Him and then ask for forgiveness. It’s as if Solomon is saying, “You know how they are God. They’re prone to mess up.”

Well, God responds favorably to Solomon’s prayer and agrees to forgive the people if they will turn from their sin, humble themselves, and return to Him. (2 Chron. 7:14)

But then, God turns the focus onto Solomon. God starts by saying, “As for you, if you follow me…” (2 Chron. 7:17) Then, God says, “But if you abandon me…” (2 Chron. 7:19) Its as if God is telling Solomon, “Don’t just focus on their faults. Start with your own personal responsibility to follow Me and do what’s right.

Whether it’s a team, a marriage, or a society…improvement comes when each person takes responsibility for their own faults. This is what Jesus was getting at when He said, “Why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have log in your own. (Luke 6:41)

This week…”Where do I need to take responsibility rather than hand out blame?” If you’re not sure, ask God to show you. Then do your best to deal with whatever he shows you.

Deuteronomy 20 – Run the Risk

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For the most part, we Americans are creatures of comfort and ease. It’s part of our mentality and our expectation…even in our spiritual lives.

We often believe that right living and strong faith will lead to a reduction of problems and difficulties in our life. We feel that if we’re doing the right things, we shouldn’t have to struggle. But, if you believe this, there are only two possible explanations for the presence of difficulties in your life: the problems are either your fault or God’s fault.

But Deuteronomy chapter 20 shows us that victory can sometimes be vicious, that freedom often requires fighting, and that finding peace involves facing risks. In this chapter, although the priest assures the Israelites of God’s intervention and victory, they still must face their fear. Even the officers, when addressing the troops, tell them there is a possibility they could die.

The same is true for us today. We cannot know great victories without great risks. We don’t experience God’s great provision without being in a place of great need. And we won’t hit the ball out of the park without facing the possibility of striking out. Author John Ortberg puts it this way… “You can’t walk on water without getting out of the boat. “

Yes, when we are following God’s direction, the risk is calculated and part of His plan, but it’s risk none the less. That’s the stage on which the play of faith is acted out. May we be a people of risk for God’s glory, rather than people of ease for ours.