Accept the blame

"David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing." 2 Samuel 24:10

After concerns were raised that the 13.1 mile course for the October, 2016 Great Scottish Run half marathon might be short, organizers measured it again and reported their findings yesterday. To the dismay of many runners who reported personal best times, the course was 149.7 meters short invalidating the recorded times. Rather than place the blame elsewhere though, race director Andy Mitchlemore apologized for the error and said, "Great Run takes responsibility for the miscalculation and we apologize unreservedly to the runners and the City of Glasgow." In a world where taking responsibility for one's actions seems rare, it was refreshing to see this don't you think?

Since the beginning of time when Adam blamed Eve for eating the apple and Eve blamed the serpent, people have been shifting the blame to someone or something else for their actions. But David gives us a biblical example of how to handle our mistakes. When he disobeyed God by performing a forbidden census, he didn't blame his circumstances, his parents or anyone else but said, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done." He took full responsibility, asked for forgiveness and then accepted the consequences of his actions without complaining. 

You know, when it comes to taking responsibility for our actions, you and I would do well to follow the example of David. Whether it be against an individual or God, may we admit our wrongdoing, ask for forgiveness and accept the ramifications of our actions. After all, no matter what our upbringing has been or our circumstances are now, one thing is certain... we, alone, are responsible for the decisions we make. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of David who shows us the correct way to act when we have wronged You or someone else. Help us to be people who take personal responsibility for our actions that we might learn from our mistakes, heal any relationships we may have hurt and receive forgiveness. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

If we're honest - Francesca Battistelli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDcTvtuuVU8

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-38798775

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