No More Excuses!

When my oldest son was five, he was running through the halls of the church.  Of course, we had told him numerous times to not run in the church.  When a lady came around the corner and saw him running, she told him not to run in the church.  He looked at her with a serious look and said, "I'm not running.  I'm just walking fast."  Without letting him see her amusement, she continued on her way.  She immediately came to me and shared with me what had happened.  She was impressed with his quick reply as to why he was not breaking the rules.  I smiled inside as I realized at that very moment how often we as God's children justify what we are doing too.  In my son's mind, he was not doing anything wrong because he was walking fast and not running.  However, we all do this very thing on a daily basis without even realizing it.  For instance, one may be late for work so they speed.  Even though the speed limit is 70 mph, they justify that it's okay just for that day to go 80 mph so that they won't get in trouble for work.  However, God's Word tells us to obey the laws of the land.  Obeying the speed limit is obeying the laws set before us.

No one really means to make excuses or do wrong.  It's just that many times we don't see that what we are doing is wrong.  Have you ever been late for work, and lied about the reason?  Have you ever missed an appointment, and made up an excuse for the why?  Have you ever changed plans because you decided you didn't want to do it, and made up an excuse?  Things come up, but let's focus on facing things with truth and see how God blesses us.  There is no justifying the wrong we do - not even fast walking for running.  LOL!

Dear God, please help us to be honest in everything we do.  We want to be people of integrity.  We want to follow Your Word and do what it says.  Help us, dear God, as put You first and do what is right in all circumstances.  We love You, God, and we praise You for all things.  I pray your blessings on each one of us!  Guide our every step throughout the day!  In Jesus name, Amen!

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.  James 4:17