Augustine’s Confessions traces his journey through misspent youth, false religion, and finally to Jesus. As a man with much to confess, Augustine was sometimes tempted to be defensive. A translation of one of his prayers says: “O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself.”
A story in the book of Judges tells how an unlikely leader chose not to vindicate himself. Gideon had put the vast Midianite army to flight with just 300 men. Then he rallied troops from several Israelite tribes to assist with the pursuit. But Ephraim’s warriors challenged Gideon: “Why have you treated us this way? Why didn’t you send for us when you first went out to fight the Midianites?” (Judges 8:1).
Ephraim obviously didn’t know the backstory. Gideon could have said, “Hey, listen, I was doing exactly what God told me to do. Why don’t you take it up with Him?” But he didn’t. Instead, he employed a deft blend of humility and diplomacy.
“God gave you victory over Oreb and Zeeb, the commanders of the Midianite army,” he said. “What have I accomplished, compared to that?” The historical account tells us, “When the men of Ephraim heard Gideon’s answer, their anger subsided” (Judges 8:3).
It’s our human tendency to deflect blame. We try to absolve ourselves for a variety of reasons, but the biggest one may be pride.
Jesus displayed the antithesis of pride. Although He lived a perfect life, He refused to defend Himself and willingly accepted the blame for us, paying for our sins on a cruel cross. In some small way we can reflect His life by choosing gentle words of reconciliation when we face conflict with others. Our vindication is best left to Him and His righteous ways.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 27:1-10
More:
Read John 18:19-23, John 19:8-11 to see how Jesus refused to vindicate Himself.
Next:
What’s your reflexive response to criticism and blame? How do you think Jesus might handle false blame?
Gary Shultz on September 23, 2015 at 6:08 am
I confess, I am not nice enough to always have a fitting response to criticism. It’s usually a reaction. To me criticism is subjective, blame is more cut and dry and usually the, “yes you did” and “no I didn’t,” is settled easier. The fitting response is the quest and the one that haunts me when time elapses and you say to yourself, man, I should have been better than that. I need to lean hard on God in these matters. Thanks
Tim Gustafson on September 23, 2015 at 7:53 am
Gary, I always appreciate your comments. Maybe it’s because I can so relate to them!
nattykins on September 23, 2015 at 8:16 am
Definitely agree 100 percent. I always try to be “Switzerland” so to speak, but like you both said, it’s sometimes easier said than done. I am so thankful for a merciful God who forgives me,for my un-Christlike reactions.
Tim Gustafson on September 23, 2015 at 8:40 am
That is really something, isn’t it? The patience and mercy of God! He completely accepts us as we are, and then He patiently shapes and molds us every day.
godlove on September 23, 2015 at 9:18 am
I plead guilty as well, I’m not good at the gentle answer thing and, like Augustine, I’m always quick to justify or vindicate myself. How hard it is to be a true follower of Christ!
LORD, please, mould me too and help me find the right words in face of criticism or blame. Amen.
Winn Collier on October 3, 2015 at 4:20 pm
This is a beautiful word, thank you. I find it very difficult to trust my reputation and the cause of justice to God’s good hands.