I’ve always had a difficult time dealing with false accusations. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t, really. This comes form an innate desire for justice. Something a just, holy, and loving God placed in us when he created us. But we also have fallen DNA that wants more than simple justice. Our desire is to be right. Not the one in the wrong. When faced with fair judgement, even though we know we are wrong, we still have difficulty admitting our faults. It’s called pride.
I’ve always worked hard to own my faults, even if it hurts to do so. And it does hurt. However, the outcome I find is much better than trying to pass the buck or make excuses. People, by in large, respect when someone takes ownership of a mistake but our culture is built around blame. In my grandfathers time, you took responsibility for your actions. Now, it’s the norm to blame your parents, your past, your friends, the environment, or anything one can point to that relieves the burden of responsibility.
But what happens when you are truly accused of something you are not responsible for? How?we react tells a lot about the condition of our heart. Not your heart muscle of course, your heart of hearts. Who you really are.
It’s primarily a struggle of identity.
How is that?
Well, if you are secure in who’s you are then your response is shaped accordingly. That’s not a typo. Its not about who, but who’s you are. That’s possessive. You see, for believers, according to Ephesians, we are secure in Jesus Christ because of his sacrifice for us. His posture towards us is one of grace and love. He doesn’t let sin go unpunished, but he is not a God with a taser waiting to zap you every time you step out of line. This is about letting God handle the justice of false accusations and resting in knowing our Creator loves us and that he doesn’t make mistakes. We are created in his image (Genesis 1:27) and “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:38).
If the accusation is based on your faith in Christ, then there is a reward for that. This is super clear in Matthew 5:11-12. But what about the everyday? You get blamed for something at work that you were not responsible for and are?punished. What is our response?
Naturally we will be angry and hurt. These are natural emotions and we may need to take appropriate action which may include defending ourselves or simply walking away depending on the situation. (If it’s a legal issue, you may need to seek legal counsel, as an example.) The key is bringing every thought under control (1 Corinthians 10:5) by the Holy Spirit as our response is seen by others and reflects on Jesus Christ. Letting emotions control us in those moments rarely leads to actions we don’t regret.
So regardless of the source and core reason of being falsely accused, our response is rooted in Ephesians 5. Read the whole chapter! It’s rich in identity language and gives us a quiet spirit, able to respond in a way that brings glory to God and produces a strong faith in who we are in Christ!
“For?we are his workmanship,?created in Christ Jesus?for good works,?which God prepared beforehand,?that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 5:10
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