Passing The Buck
Instead of her workmate admitting his mistake, he blamed my friend
Reference: When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. (Luke 23:7 NIV)
Application: A friend of mine is just a couple of months into a new job. While she now knows her way around the office, it seems she is still finding her way around some of her colleague’s personalities.
Just last week she offered to help a workmate. She did what was asked, even going beyond her duties, and completed everything on time.
When the job was assessed it was discovered she had been given the wrong instructions by her workmate.
Instead of her workmate admitting his mistake, he blamed my friend saying she had interpreted the work incorrectly. My friend was baffled.
She is now questioning whether this is the culture of the whole organisation or just this colleague. It seems this particular workmate totally passed the buck onto her.
Explore: It is very difficult to admit when we are at fault, but when we pass the blame to others it shows a real lack of Christian values.
Pilate and Herod kept passing the buck when it came to the decision of what to do with Jesus. This was someone’s life they were dealing with and they seemed more than happy for the other to make the call.
I have great respect for people who are committed to making decisions. We may not always make the right one, but it shows honour and integrity when we make a call and then work towards making that decision right.
I believe a God-driven life is not one lived in limbo or one where the big decisions are passed onto others. It’s weighing up all God has taught us and making the best call for Him at that time.
Prayer: Lord, at times, it feels so much easier to pass the buck. We don’t like to suffer consequences but even passing the buck is a decision we make with consequences. Give us Your courage to stand our ground and make good calls. Amen.
What decision are you needing to make right now?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.