Some people have learned to make excuses as to why they cannot do something. There may be many reasons lying behind all of this, but the fact is, we make excuses.

Usually, if there is something we want to do we do not have any trouble jumping in and getting it done. We get excited about some things and have a desire to see them happen. So we are eager to get them done.

On the other hand, if we do not want to do something we will find excuse, after excuse, after excuse. And that is what it usually is, an excuse. Not even a reason, an excuse.

Jesus had an encounter with some men one day who He asked to follow Him. One of them said, “I will follow You wherever You go.” (Luke 9:57). But Jesus pointed out that He did not have anywhere to even lay His head.

When He asked one to follow Him he said, “Lord, permit me to first go and bury my father.” (Luke 9:59). Jesus said let the dead bury the dead. You come follow Me.

Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to those at home.” (Luke 9:61) At this Jesus said,

“No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

I wonder if we are in the excuse making business? I wonder if there are times we offer excuses as to why we cannot achieve something. And, I wonder if we make excuses as to why we cannot do something for the Lord.

Moses, in the book of Deuteronomy, was called by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery. He offered five different excuses as to why he could not do this. (Exodus 3,4) In the end God used him in a mighty way.

What is your excuse for not doing well in school? Being a better neighbor? Doing better at your job? Being a better family member?

Today, God wants you to stop making excuses and get to work in His kingdom. At the last day none of us wants to hear Him say, “I gave you opportunities but you excused them away.”