“Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thy hand, I pray thee, be AGAINST Me, and my father’s house.” (2 Sam. 24:17)

David made some really serious mistakes. It’s  interesting that he didn’t try to place the blame on others like Saul did by saying, “It’s their fault. They made me do it!” No, he took responsibility and shouldered the blame himself. This is one of the character traits that made David a man after God’s own heart. (1 Sam. 13:14)

When the Bible talks about having a pure heart — a perfect heart — it doesn’t mean that you never sin. It’s talking about HOW YOU RESPOND WHEN YOU DO SIN. When you make a mistake, do you blame other people? Are you someone who refuses to accept the truth that it’s your fault that you’re in a mess? Do you always blame things on the past, your dysfunctional family, your circumstances or other factors? Are you a victim or a victor?

The victim mentality or attitude is very popular in our society. It’s an attempt to dodge responsibility and blame others. This was King Saul’s attitude. People with this attitude won’t survive, be blessed, or reach their full potential. If you want to be a person after God’s own heart, learn a lesson from David and start accepting responsibility when you’re wrong. Stop making excuses and blaming others! Be a victor, NOT A VICTIM!

Why is this so important? Because you have to accept responsibility in order to be in control and change things. Remember this: YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE YOU CAN CHANGE!