Although we technically have six children in our family, occasionally we are visited by a seventh child called "Nobody." Nobody spills apple juice, jelly and peanut butter on the floor and then walks off and leaves it-presumably to let it grow. Nobody leaves doors wide open during the fiercest heat wave in the summer and when the wintry winds are whistling.The interesting thing about Nobody is that he never gets credit for beds made and rooms that are picked up. But when games, toys and dishes are strewn all over the living room floor, Nobody gets the blame, receiving full accusations by six kids. "Nobody did it." Barbara and I would probably discipline Nobody if we could ever catch him.
In Genesis, Adam tries to avoid his responsibility by blaming Eve for eating from the forbidden tree. In fact, He even seems to insinuate that perhaps God is at fault for giving him Eve as a mate!
Adam and our invisible child, Nobody, are reflections of the irresponsibility of people in our society. They want to clarify their "rights," but when accountability and responsibility come knocking, they flee for the back door.
The kids of this culture aren't being told there are consequences for their wrong choices. Undoubtedly some of them eventually find themselves in a jail cell, puzzled that we still have some laws that do hold us accountable for our actions.
Let me suggest that you and your mate model a different message. When you have a conflict, quarrel or disagreement, take responsibility for resolving it. When you make a mistake, admit it-even if it isn't all your fault. Instead of finding a flaw in your spouse's argument and blaming him or her, take responsibility and say you're sorry. I am confident that you don't want to be married to "Nobody."