Let's Quit Blame-Shifting

We are easily influenced by false cultural views of sin. That's why it's so important that Christians remember:

1. Environment and circumstances don't make us sin.

It's popular to blame our difficulties for our bad behavior, but that's not Biblical. 

Negative circumstances can definitely impact us, but, Scripture says we choose sinful behavior (Genesis 4:7; John 3:19; James 4:17). It's not forced on us.

We aren't born perfect and messed up by life. We're born sinners and we choose how we are going to live (Romans 5:12).

When we come to Christ we recognize our fallen nature, seek God in overcoming negative situations, and take responsibility for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Daniel was forced to live his life in an evil pagan environment, but he made right choices.

See Hard Things and Singing in the Lion's Den.

2. Parents are NOT responsible for how their adult children turn out.

This is a natural spin-off of belief #1. 

If an adult child makes terrible choices, we often look for fault in the parents, not the adult child. 

Parents are responsible TO God for how they parent but not responsible FOR their adult children's choices (Ezekiel 18:20).

Joseph had a dysfunctional family because of his father Jacob's multiple wives and Jacob's unfair favoritism of Joseph which made his brothers hate him. But Joseph made right choices.

See Bad Blood and Beyond Excuses.

Let these examples remind you that with Christ we can overcome abuse, hardship, and persecution. 

We'd be wise to regularly read the strong warning in 1 John 1:8-10.