Getting caught in a lie can be embarrassing. Thus, as the truth draws near, human nature influences individuals to begin using excuses to justify inappropriate actions. During a recent interview with the FBI, Reality Winner blamed Fox News for why see smuggled a classified report from a NSA government facility. Upon hearing this my initial thought was, “don’t you have a better excuse than that?”
But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? – Exodus 4:10-11
Reality is not the only have to come up with a lame excuse. When asked to become the voice for Israel to confront Pharaoh, Moses becomes afraid. Instead of recalling God speaking to him through a burning bush moments earlier, Moses uses stuttering as a crutch to avoid God’s request. In the exchange above, God appears to become upset, pointing to his power as creator.
But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come,’ Luke 14:18-20.
While there will always be excuses in life, but at some point people need to grow up. When you are given authority at church, school or work, responsibilities should not be taken lightly. Rather, when asked, encouraged or offered an opportunity to serve, rely on the Lord’s strength for these endeavors. If you don’t, you will be tempted to come up with a reason why you didn’t instead of sticking things out until God’s calling has been completed.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 