When trying to avoid the penalties of wrongdoings, we can fall into the trap of blaming others. Taking responsibility for our actions can be difficult, so we try to lessen the fault by shifting it onto someone else.
The serpent had inserted doubt into Eve’s mind, and she ate the fruit. Yet, Adam must have stood close as He also ate the fruit. Instead of stopping Eve, he allowed her to eat and joined in. When they realized they were naked, they hid from God. God called out to them.
Genesis 3: 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
11 “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”
12 The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” [1]
Blaming God
In his fear and guilt, Adam first blamed Eve. But in doing so, he also blamed God. God had given him this woman, so ultimately, God must be at fault. This thought process is too common today. Since God is sovereign, many think He should prevent all catastrophes. We don’t want to take any responsibility for our sinful actions.
James 1: 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.[2]
Blaming Satan
Some defer their responsibility by saying the devil made them do it. This has been happening since the time of Eve. Genesis 3: 13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.” [3] Satan delights in deceiving humanity. We make Satan’s task easier when we forget to look up to God for His wisdom and guidance.
When Eve had her conversation with the serpent, she was in a sinless state but was still deceived. We are sinful and easy prey for Satan’s deceptions on our own. That is why it is so important to stay focused on God. We must look up when we prefer to look down and go our own way.
When we avoid the trap of blaming others and take responsibility for our actions, Jesus can forgive us. Confession, repentance, and forgiveness bring a chance of restoration. While we live in a sinful world, it is only temporary. There is no sin in our eternal life with Jesus.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-fall
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.