Philippians 2:3-4; Psalm 15:4 - Taking the Blame and the Pain

Welcometo Pastor's Chat. Today we’re studying Psalm 15, talking about a person wholives a life of integrity. His character, his walk with God, and his fellowshipwith the Lord are so real that he does things that cause him to be a stable,secure kind of person who literally displays the glory of God in his life everyday. Nowwe come down to verse 4. Here in verse 4b, we find a very remarkable statement:“He who swears to his own hurt and does not change.” This verse isdescribing a person who keeps his word even when it costs him something. Thisis a rare quality today in our culture, because people often break theirpromises when circumstances become inconvenient.  Thisverse jumped out at me years ago: “He who swears to his own hurt and changesnot.” We often do just the opposite. So many times, when we’re accused or whensomething takes place, we defer the blame to someone else. “The devil made medo it.” “My wife caused the problem.” “My husband caused the problem.” “My bossis at fault and has made this whole mess for us.” Buthere is a powerful truth. As we try to understand the person who walks withGod, enjoys fellowship with God, and has the lowliness of mind that Paul talksabout in Philippians chapter 2—esteeming others better than himself—this is apowerful thought: you swear to your own hurt and do not change. Sometimes youmay even take the blame for something you didn’t do. NowI know when I say that, especially today, people respond, “I’ll never do that.Why should I take the blame for something I didn’t do?” Sometimes, to keeppeace. Maybe just to keep your mouth shut when accusations come. Instead oftrying to defer the blame or defend yourself—even when you truly didn’t doit—you simply remain silent. Youmight say, “How can I do that?” Let me tell you—Jesus did exactly this. He tookthe blame for something He didn’t do. He took your sin, my sin, and the sin ofthe whole world upon His shoulders. He took it to the cross. He paid a terribleprice when He “swore to His own hurt and did not change.” He simplysaid, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Actually,He prayed for those who were guilty and who were to blame for putting Him onthe cross. To the thief on the cross, He said, “Today you will be with Me inparadise.” That thief admitted, “I am getting what I justly deserve.” YetJesus got what we justly deserved in our place. He swore to His own hurt anddid not change. Sosometimes—not every situation, but many times—the situation calls for us to saynothing. Just say nothing. Take the blame and have peace with those around us,even if it means pain, hurt, or loss for us. Jesus died on that cross—aterrible death. He took the blame for something He didn’t do. If He did that,don’t you think maybe we could ask God for grace sometimes to do the same? Whenthings happen and we are being blamed, perhaps we should just keep our mouthsshut instead of trying to fight back, blame others, or expose everyoneinvolved. Now listen, there are times when justice must be pursued. God is aGod of justice. God says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”Romans chapter 12. Solet’s try to practice this the best we can. This is a hard one. I stillremember memorizing this verse and thinking, “Wow, I don’t know if I can dothis every time I need to.”  But by God’sgrace, and by looking to our example—Jesus Christ on the cross—"when Hewas reviled, He reviled not again.” Ohmy friend, may God help us to have that kind of spirit and that kind ofattitude. I trust this encourages you today and does not discourage you. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!