Who Ya Gonna Blame?

We had a problem with the computers at work last night.  The web conference was scheduled, people from all over the country connected, everybody waited, but the demo site wouldn’t work.  After 30 minutes of trying, we cancelled the conference.  Wasted time, for a bunch of people.  The search for who/what to blame began almost immediately.

Don’t get me wrong.  I work with some very nice people.  We all make mistakes and for the most part, are very forgiving of each other.  Nevertheless, when something goes wrong, the typical (and probably proper) response is to look for who / what caused it, presumably so the same mistake will not be made again.  Which, in a strange way brings us to Haiti and Pat Robertson. 

Mr. Robertson says the earthquake in Haiti was their own fault, caused (or at least allowed) by God as punishment for a deal they made with the devil.  While the vast majority would believe Mr. Robertson to be crazy, at least for saying it, I believe many would in a strange way agree with him.   I don’t mean the “deal with the devil” part.  I mean the “caused by God” part.

You see, when something bad happens, we all want to blame somebody.  Remember Hurricane Katrina?  Now the earthquake in Haiti.  For something this catastrophic and unavoidable, there is no one left to blame but God.  So, many do.  Which brings me to something I have been thinking about lately.  The relationship of faith and forgiveness.

Check out Luke chapter 17.  Jesus tells the disciples they must always forgive when asked, no matter how often they are wronged.  To which the disciples strangely reply “Increase our faith.”   They didn’t ask “How do we forgive?”  or “Increase our patience with our brothers.”   They said, “Increase our faith.”  

There is something about faith and forgiveness that goes together.  Maybe it takes faith to forgive, or be forgiven.  Or maybe it takes forgiveness to have faith?   I don’t know all the answers.  I’m still thinking on this one.  I do believe where you put faith and forgiveness together, blame is not even in the picture.  The Devil does plenty of finger pointing.  He points at our sin.  He points at other’s mistakes.  When bad things happen, he even points at God. 

So, ask what questions you may.   Point your finger if you must.  But when you are through looking for fault, look in faith to God.  He has a finger too and no matter what happens, it only points in one direction.  Look with your heart and you’ll see Him forever pointing . . . to the cross.