May 17 Bible Reading Plan

Don’t point the finger, pull the thumb

-Mark Schlereth

I recently heard these words on a podcast hosted by Super Bowl Champion Mark Schlereth. Mark is a former Denver Broncos offensive lineman and is currently a play-by-play analyst for the NFL on Fox. Most importantly, he is a fellow follower of Christ.

His point with this quote is that we often blame other people for our own problems and issues. We pass the buck, make excuses, and reflect our shortcomings on others. We do everything except the one thing that will help us become unbreakable men: we pull our thumbs at ourselves and say, "You know who needs to change? This guy."

Guys, we can't blame everyone else for our problems. While other people may cause some of the problems, it is our fault for allowing them to remain in our lives.

When I was younger, I struggled with many sins and issues that I either learned from my father or were the result of his abusive behavior toward me.

Instead of facing them, I often felt sorry for myself and held onto anger and resentment towards him.

Change didn't come until I realized that I had my own problems.

I couldn't keep excusing my behavior and blaming my dad. I had to get my eyes off of him and onto myself. I needed to stop saying, "My dad was abusive," and start saying, "I have a problem, and I need help." I had to admit my faults, repent, and acknowledge that I needed to take responsibility for my actions.

Then, I had to start working on myself.

I couldn't change my father, but I could become a different man. I could allow the Holy Spirit to convict me and change me.

I could start living, thinking, and acting differently.

But it wasn't possible until I stopped pointing the finger and pulled the thumb.

Proverbs 28:13 says, "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." (ESV)

Another way to say this is in Mark Schlereth's words: "Stop pointing the finger and pull the thumb." (1)

You become an unbreakable person only when you discover freedom and forgiveness and when change occurs.

Bibliography:

1. Schlereth, Mark, host. “Just a Nice Healthy Quarterback Discussion” Stinkin’ Truth Podcast, Publisher, 08 July 2024, www.youtube.com/@stinkintruthpodcast