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A modest suggestion

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  • Originally published July 18, 2008 at 5:33 p.m., updated July 18, 2008 at 5:33 p.m.

I think we need a new support group today – EA, “Excuse-makers Anonymous.”

Churches could use an EA chapter, and we need one in the office, the shop, the school and at home. We love to make excuses for doing the wrong thing or failing to do the right thing when the truth is that, more often than not, it’s our responsibility.

We humans are so good at excuse-making because we’ve had a lot of practice. Our first parents in the Garden of Eden mastered the art when God came to call them to account for disobeying Him and eating the forbidden fruit. “It was the woman you gave me,” Adam said to God in Genesis 3:12. Translation: “It’s your fault, God, not mine.”

God then asked Eve what she had done. Eve didn’t blame God directly, saying the serpent made her do it. But since God made the serpent, Eve was still trying to shift the blame.

Not all of our excuse-making is to cover up wrong or dodge responsibility for messing up. Sometimes we offer excuses because we don’t feel capable of, or comfortable about, doing what we have been asked to do. The challenge ahead of us may be something that would really be worthwhile, but which may involve some risk and some sweat.

I want to show you an example of this from the Bible because I believe that when we shrink back in this way, we can forfeit great blessing. The best example of this in the Bible is found in the book of Exodus, chapters 3-4, where God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.

Moses is considered one of the greatest leaders in all of history – that rare person who did something no one before or since has done. But before Moses led an entire nation on foot from one nation to another, he encountered God at the famous burning bush. It was there that God gave Moses his great assignment.

What’s interesting is the way Moses reacted. Beginning in Exodus 4:1, Moses began making excuses as to why God had the wrong man. One was, “The Israelites won’t believe You sent me.” Then, “I don’t speak plainly.” God took care of those, but finally Moses just said “Please send someone else!”

Can you identify with how Moses felt? We’ve all been there. Many times we can come up with ten good reasons why we’ll fail if we try something, or why it won’t work. But instead of excuses, let me suggest three good steps to take if you’re facing a challenge: 1. Write down those excuses, and then ask God to help you overcome them; 2. Gather some people around you who will encourage and support you instead of validating the excuses; 3. Get going! Take the first step. You may never lead a nation, but you might just discover that God has something bigger and better in mind for you than you ever thought possible.

Pastor Jim Graff is the Senior Pastor of Faith Family Church in Victoria. www.faithfamilyvictoria.com



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