Excuses II
(Continuation from previous post……..)
• Sometimes our flaws make us give excuses for not doing God’s will.
Exodus 4:10–14
But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” Then the Lord became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you.”
Exodus 3:10–13
Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?”
Is it not God that makes a man? See God’s response to Moses above.
The truth is, we are who we, are because God gives the grace. We have access to authentic power in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:7
For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all — yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Excuse Vs Reason
There are occasions when a task’s failure is due to uncontrollable events or other persons, which can be classified as a reason. As a result, a reason differs from an excuse. When reasons are used to avoid taking responsibility, they become excuses. That is the primary distinction between the two.
Take a moment to consider how many excuses you create for your decisions against how many reasons you have. What you see may surprise or appal you.
Examine yourself frequently and ask yourself:
Am I making an excuse?
What could have been done differently?
Define your role in what needed to be done?
What degree of control do you have over the result of the event?
Some Christians often make excuses for not doing the following:
•Praying
•Sharing the faith
•Reading the scripture
•Taking full responsibility for sin.
•Attending church services.
•Giving to someone.
•Exercising
- Eating well
Why Do We Make Excuses?
#1: Fear, you don’t want to leave your comfort zone and venture into the unknown. You don’t want to fall short. People are often terrified of things they don’t understand or for which they lack all the necessary information.
#2: You don’t have defined and quantifiable goals which makes it easy to avoid doing a task.
#3: You compare yourself to those who you believe are more talented or better than you.
#4: You’re concealing your identity.
#5: You’re not motivated
#6: You believe you lack the necessary resources (time, money, or education to pursue something). The truth is that your priorities are defined by how you spend your time and money.
#7: You do not want to change because changes take effort and commitment, and it can be very difficult.
Why It’s Important to Stop Making Excuses
·Excuses keep you from achieving your full potential. The same lethargy that keeps you from challenging yourself might keep you from developing or changing. Your excuses enable you to live with the unmet expectations you have for yourself.
·Excuses will instil the same negative habit in your children.
·Excuses will make you regret “the road not taken”.
·Excuses stifle growth.
Steps to Stop Making Excuses and Taking Responsibility
#1. Quit comparing yourself to other people
#2. Stop being afraid of the unknown
#3. Stop Blaming Others
#4. Take Responsibility For ALL Your Actions
#5. Every Day, Take Action
#6. Have faith in yourself
#7. Visualize Your Achievement
#8. Remember, it’s fine to be imperfect
#9. Know You Can Change Your “Excuses Habit”
#10. Make Small, Achievable Goals
#11. Learn from Your Mistakes
#12. Don’t Focus on Your Weaknesses
#13. Change your mindset
Life is not certain hence I invite you to accept and follow Christ today, that way, we are sure where we are going (heaven). Please do not put it off. Tomorrow might be late. Do not let all your excuses stand against salvation. When God asks, “What did you do for the salvation plan that I came down with as a gift? What did you do when I allowed you to repent and be saved? (Revelation 20:10). No matter how terrible your sins are, He can make you completely clean and new.
James 4:14
Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Let’s say a prayer together.
Dear Jesus, may we never make excuses when You call. Instead, may we be willing to give up everything and follow You. Please help us to make that good decision. Help us end excuse habit in our lives. Amen.
THE END
Dan Moore Kris Gage Wake Up Call P.S. I Love You @writingsolo
