blaming and claiming
"Make no mistake about this." —James 1:16
God gets blamed for temptations (Jas 1:13), tragedies, and all sorts of problems. Just because He created everything, gave us free will, and allows us to use and abuse our freedom doesn't mean that God is to blame for the wages of our sins (see Rm 6:23).
On the other hand, God doesn't often get the credit for "every worthwhile gift, every genuine benefit" (Jas 1:17). We claim we've earned our blessings. Even if we admit that God had something to do with them, we may still say that God helps those who help themselves. In this way, we take part of the credit for the good things God gives us.
The fact is that we can do nothing without Jesus (Jn 15:5) and cannot name anything good that we have not received from God (1 Cor 4:7; Jas 1:17). "If, then, you have received it, why are you boasting as if it were your own?" (1 Cor 4:7)
Let's quit blaming God for problems and taking credit for His blessings. We should pray: "Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name give glory because of Your kindness, because of Your truth" (Ps 115:1). "Only in the Lord are just deeds and power" (Is 45:24). To God be glory!
Prayer: Father, may I be honest with You, myself, and others.
Promise: "Happy the man whom You instruct, O Lord, whom by Your law You teach, giving him rest from evil days." —Ps 94:12-13
Praise: Sts. Cyril and Methodius worked together both as brothers in the flesh and brothers in Christ.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 2011
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