by: Russell McLaughlin

"Don't Pass The Buck!"

   One of President Truman’s most famous sayings is “The buck stops here.”  In fact, a painted glass sign, approximately 2-1/2" x 13" in size and mounted on walnut base, has the words "I'm From Missouri" on one side and the words “The Buck Stops Here” on the other side. It appeared at different times on his desk until late into his administration.  The sign was made and mailed to the President on October 2, 1945.  The saying was not just about money.  It really meant that the President was taking responsibility for his actions. In his farewell address to the American people, President Truman referred to this concept specifically by saying, "the President--whoever he is--has to decide. He can't pass the buck to anybody. No one else can make the decision for him. That's his job.”

   In our culture today people often pass the buck or shift the blame.  We hear things like: “She did it”. “He did it”. “It was not my fault”. “The devil made me do it.”  Passing the buck often comes so naturally and it is easy to do.  Remember all the way back to Adam and Eve? God confronted Adam and he said, “It was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it.” (Genesis 3:12) Adam, like we often do, was playing the blame game.

   As disciples of Jesus, we do not “pass the buck”, we take responsibility. When we mess up, intentionally or unintentionally, we need to admit our wrong and show accountability.  “When we mess up, let’s be honest and responsible.  When we sin, let’s confess it, repent from it, forget what’s behind, and press forward (1 John 1:9, Acts 17:30, Philippians 3:13-14).

   Are you “passing the buck” or are you following Jesus?