Why do we make excuses?

Many Christians make excuses for the lack of something in the spiritual lives. We may hear someone say: "I can't share my faith because I am a shy person" or "I don't know as much about the Bible as others " or "I am not perfect." 

While all of these statements may well be true, when we speak like this, we deny the power of God's spirit to work in the "ordinary-ness" of our lives. There are plenty of Biblical examples of people who used the same excuses we do, yet they eventually allowed the power of God to change their lives. 

Take Stephen as an example: Stephen was chosen as one of the 7 new disciples because “he was a man full of the Spirit and wisdom” and we see that when Stephen surrendered himself fully to Jesus, he “performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8) However, if you read the rest of the story, you will note that he was initially chosen to be a kitchen-worker and administrator - solving the issues that had arisen in the distribution of food. 

“Stephen, the kitchen worker, stands tall in the annals of faith as one of those men who did much for God’s Kingdom. Clearly, God doesn’t need everyone to be preachers and teachers; he just needs ordinary people who will learn from Him and be willing to be used in extraordinary circumstances.” – NLT Bible commentary

Thought: What can we do for the kingdom of God?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What is your "but"?

What is your "but"? 

Just before you think I have lost the plot, let me explain by sharing this scripture: 

"Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:61-62

One of the people that Jesus asked to follow him, seemed interested, but needed to go and do something other things first. His reply could have been summed up as the "yes, BUT....." response! 

In my experience, when our hearts are fully committed to something, they rarely add a 'but' into the equation. They are willing to go, no matter what?

Question: What is your 'but' at the moment? What is stopping us from being fully committed to Jesus?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

No excuses

We find it so easy to come up with reasons as to why we don't want to do things, but perhaps we need to be challenged to leave our excuses behind. Many of us will end up living which too much regret if we don't stop making poor excuses for things. I think this is especially true in the arena's of our faith.

We say things like, "I am too tired to pray" or "I am too busy to attend church or cell group". We excuse our behaviour because we say, "I am only human!"
Sure, these may all be true, but we should be wary of using them as excuses.

Every time a Biblical character made an excuse God challenged them to "go a little further" and to stop making excuses.

Luke 14:18 -  “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

"I never gave or took any excuses." - Florence Nightingale

Romans 1:20 - "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

"Just"

When we ask the boys to do something for us, they love to tell us that they are "just"going to do another thing and then they will do what we ask. So, here is an example:

Q: "Boys, please take your plates to the kitchen."
A: "We are "just" playing - we will do it soon."

Does this sound familiar?
"I will do that important task, but I "just" need to procrastinate a little longer!"

This simple word "just" can also imply spiritual procrastination of dangerous proportions. It can take this form:
I will commit my life to God later - I "just" need to sort my studies out.
I will go back to church - I am "just" so busy at the moment.
I will pray with my kids sometime - the time "just" doesn't seem right.
I would love to read my bible more, but it "just" seems like an effort right now.

What is your "just" excuse at the moment?
Don't you think it is time to "just" stop making excuses?!

I am just asking...

Living in Grace
D3LM3