Excuses. We make them all the time. Especially when we don't want to do something or don't want the responsibility. When we don't want to go to work, sometimes we try to think of ways to get out of it. Or when someone asks us to come to an event, we. may make an excuse as to why we can't make it. What about when we're given a higher responsibility and we don't feel we are capable of doing it? We come up with reasons why we can't do it. Sometimes, our excuses may be accurate. Especially when we feel we are not capable of doing a particular job or activity. So what's the difference?
There was a parable that Jesus spoke of about the great supper in which those who were invited began giving excuses (see Luke 14:16 - 24). All of their reasonings for being excused did not make any sense. All of those reasons or excuses could be done on another day or time. How did God handle the excuses? He didn't address the excuses but excused the people. God then went to get other people to attend the supper. What excuses do we give when asked to attend church, read the Bible, pray, etc.? Do we use the weather, or that there are 'hypocrites' in the church, or that we don't have time? God hears our excuses but He will not address them. We will eventually experience the consequences of our excuses.
Then there's Moses (see Exodus 3). When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, he came up with excuses as to why he couldn't. The excuses Moses gave were true, and God addressed them. God gave him the solution which is that He will be with him. When God calls us to do something, He knows our capabilities and our weaknesses. He equips us to do whatever He has called us to do. So although the excuses we give may be true, God equips us to do it despite them.
What type of excuses are we giving today, this week, month, or year? Are they the first kind or the second? Let us try to minimize the first type in our lives by being honest with ourselves and others. Have a blessed week!