Accountability appears to be a four-letter word in the vocabulary of some.
Refusing to be honest about their own sin, but denying any culpability, they weave a tangled web of deceit by creating non-existent sin in the lives of others in order to hold themselves blameless.
Pride leads to denial of wrongdoing, admitting no fault, but misplacing blame to avoid responsibility for one’s own actions.
“It is hard to help anyone who is in the wrong and who is in denial of their detrimental needs," Dr. Johnny Hunt has said. "Denial is so deadly to relationships…The temptation is to blame others and not take personal responsibility.”
"If a person persists in maintaining that someone else is to blame for his wrongdoing, this perception can radically distort his view of reality," said Dr. Charles Stanley. "Blaming others promotes disharmony and bitterness."
Lying often can become a persistent character trait. As Thomas Jefferson was quoted as saying, “He who permits himself to tell a lie once finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual."
“Fears of exposure, failure, and change are so large and ominous,” said Dr. Stanley, “it feels less painful to live with a false sense of blamelessness rather than own up to the truth.”
Pride often leads to arrogance and a feeling of entitlement, and wears thin the patience of others.
Pride would rather ‘save face’ than face reconciliation and save a relationship.
If it were possible, some might even deny to God himself on Judgment Day, but He records every word and every deed. Even if they won’t hold themselves accountable, God will (Matthew 12:36-37).
It is a mark of spiritual maturity to admit fault and learn from mistakes, to seek forgiveness from those wronged and make things right, rather than blaming others who are not to blame.
As Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."