I am truly blessed in my life to be in a much better place than I've ever been. I'm very fortunate to have wonderful people around me who love me so much that I've been given a second chance and I've been forgiven on past transgressions. Now the Lord permits me forgiveness and he loves me forever more even when I mess up. However we are very much human in our attitude and personalities. We all strive to be strong enough Christians to forgive others when they hurt us, but sometimes that is stronger than we ever imagined. What happens when we don't forgive others for what they've done as Christ forgives us? We come up with excuses.



Now excuses are a pet peeve of mine. It's not as if I use them often (however I do use them) but they do exist. As a parent I think I get even more each and every day. My kids love to give excuses (not reasons) on why something isn't done. Like why is your backpack in the front room instead of your bedroom? The common answer is "I don't know", the truth is because I was more concerned with seeing the animals and too lazy to walk it in my room to put it away. Some personal excuses that I love are the ones concerning exercising and healthy eating. Now I can come up with some great excuses for my laziness. Can you imagine if when Jesus was made to carry the cross if he said, "You know what I don't think I want to do that, you see a sheep race is going on in a little bit and it's one I must see", "You know there is a great sale going on in the market and I can't miss it", "Oh I was out a bit late last night and I don't think I'll be awake enough to be able to do that", or better yet "you know I just ate, pants are a bit to tight to be walking that far".



Now let us get into the meat and potatoes. Now I believe you either follow Christ or you don't. There really isn't any other way to say that. I know it's a bit strong, however you are either a follower of Christ or you are not. Now am I saying that you don't fall short of the glory of God? No I'm not saying that we all fall short, however it's how you pick yourself up that defines your commitment. Look at Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". Of course that scripture isn't an excuse to sin on purpose. Look at Romans 2: 6-8, "6 God "will repay everyone according to what they have done." [ a] 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." Now I'm not saying that if you use an excuse you will suffer wrath and anger. However I want you to see the point. How many times have you made a true excuse in your walk with God and felt guilty for that choice? I bet that is a higher number than you will let anyone know.



Ok now let's cut to the chase and play hardball. What is an excuse? Well it's a waste of time for everyone including you. Why make an excuse? Is it truly easier then facing the truth? What does an excuse do for you? It passes the time and makes you feel better for a second or two. How does an excuse help your life? It gets you by so you can lead your own life. How does an excuse help your life with God? All an excuse will do for you in your walk with God is allow you to stray. It will allow you to walk down the path of wickedness and to the ultimate destruction. So I urge you to not allow yourself to make excuses. Don't allow yourself to fall into the temptation of making excuses to allow yourself to control your own life. As I close remember Luke 10:27, "27 He answered, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' [ a]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' [ b]"