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The 4 hardest words in the english language.

Last week dateline NBC featured the story of a serial killer who agreed with prosecutors to reveal the graves of the girls he brutally murdered. 

One of the many things I couldn't understand about this disturbing story was how this guy couldn't accept responsibility for his actions.

The closest he came to owning his crimes was, "I was just an instrument". 

Now keep in mind that he said this AFTER he had led cops to where he buried his victims and AFTER he had been convicted.

No matter how much they pressed, he just couldn't utter these words... 

"It was my fault"

"I did it"

I know thats an extreme case but isn't it crazy how we have mastered the art of dodging responsibility for our actions? 

The dog ate my homework. 
I did it because my wife was a *bleep*. 
The professor hated me. 
I didn't have anyone I could call. 
If he didn't do that or say that then I wouldn't have done that or said that.  
The loan officer said we were approved. 
She's such a nag. 
He never tells me I'm beautiful. 
They don't like black people. 
How was I supposed to know? 
I'm not God. 
It takes two you know? 

And on and on and on and on it goes.

I've seen this movie many times. Even starred in it.

There are slightly different twists and characters but really It's the same old story.

The movie always ends the same way. 

"It wasn't my fault". 

It's never our fault. NEVER. EVER.

Which is why we're always pointing to something or someone.
Its like a never ending blame game of hot potato. 

Perhaps this is a big reason why so many of us struggle with forgiveness?

I mean, if we really didn't do it, then how can we receive forgiveness for it? 

How can we believe God forgives us for something someone else did? 

The other issue is (and we might not admit this), constantly pleading 'not guilty' in the face of overwhelming evidence against us gets exhausting. 

We're all so tired. 

And we're all waiting... 

For someone to lead us...

in accepting responsibility. 

Its like back in junior high again. Who’s gonna stand up to the bully?

We're waiting for someone to bend the index finger inward and say the 4 hardest words in English...

"IT WAS MY FAULT" 

No excuses. No disclaimers. 

"I did it" 

Anybody wanna be the first one to step forward and take the blame? 

What in your life do you need to accept responsibility for?

What past, present or future reality do you need to look square in the eye and say "That was my fault"?

I know this is a big ask, but if you are brave enough or simply as tired of hiding as I am, fill in the blank...

It was my fault that _____________.

Why is it so hard for us to accept responsibility for our actions?