Many times our children make excuses as to why they act the way they do. Sometimes, it’s “Everybody else is doing it!” Other times, it may be “I didn’t know.” Or perhaps it’s a “but you didn’t say that I couldn’t!” I know how it feels when a child makes excuses for their behavior. Have you ever thought about how God feels when His children make excuses.
“Everybody else is doing it” is an immediate red flag, for in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. For narrow is the gate and strait is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). If “everyone” is doing it, then we need to check and see who we are following. On the day of judgment, we will all stand before God and give an account for the things which were done while on earth. We can’t blame our actions on our parents, our friends, or our co-workers. We can only look to ourselves.
What about the “I didn’t know” excuse? I’m afraid that one doesn’t “hold water” either. For God has given us His word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be complete, throughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:15-16). Yes, He has fully equipped us with everything we need. He’s done His part – Have you done yours?
And then there’s the “You didn’t say I couldn’t. . .” God doesn’t have to list all of the thousands of things that He doesn’t want. I’ve heard the saying, “God said it; I believe it; That settles it.” But in actuality, “God says it and that settles it!” It doesn’t matter whether I believe it or not. When God specifies what He wants, that eliminates our choice in the matter. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes unto the Father, except by Me” (John 14:6)
May we study to show ourselves approved unto God (II Timothy 2:14). No excuses! Simply blessed, Courtney