There is so much pain in our world today that many people see no other option but to collect it like sports memorabilia or vintage Barbie dolls. The purpose of their pain-collecting hobby? ASSIGN BLAME! Here’s how it plays out…
Pain collectors develop an internal narrative that plays continuously in the cinema of their mind. The script is predictable. Take a look at a few cuts:
- “Focus on how you have been mistreated.”
- “Stay pessimistic and anticipate the worst.”
- “Remember that the world is out to get you.”
- “Kill new relationships–you can’t trust anyone.”
Pain collectors want to curate a story that explains why their life has not turned out “according to plan.” They are looking for “victim salve” to relieve pain and help them escape from their torture chamber.
They are just like the inept craftsman who blames his tools.
Our proclivity to play the blame game is in our spiritual DNA. It percolates to the surface when we are full of pride and then confronted with our own sin. The blame game is officially off and running.
It’s hard to break the pain-collecting habit because it pays a dividend of false and fleeting contentment. But accepting that payment forces the collector to surrender their hope for walking with Christ in his balanced rhythm of grace.
A blaming person is full of pride that makes it impossible to see their own sins and shortcomings. That pride drives them to blame others for their “predicament.”
The healthy reaction of a spiritually mature believer can be seen when they have stopped trying to explain themselves.” Stopped trying to defend their actions. And stopped trying to win every game.
I ask God to help me vanquish all thoughts of being a victim and wanting to blame others. Give me the strength to seek out HIS perspective.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Have you been drawn into the Blame Game? Are you collecting pain?
“But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15
