Breaking Down Excuses

“For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬

There are a lot of areas in my life I make excuses for not following through on what I feel like God has called me to do. Every excuse is wrapped in disobedience, even if it is a legit or good excuse, which mine are not. We don’t make excuses unless there is a part of us not wanting to do what is required or requested of us. However, a simple no is all that is really needed,

“Just say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’—anything else you say comes from the Evil One.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭37‬ ‭

This verse, if I allow it to, dispels many of those excuses I make. The Word is breaking down excuses in my life. Then this verse can be backed up and confirmed by other Scriptures to show there is no reason to make the excuse in the first place.

Excuses like “I can’t do that.” The truth of that excuse is “I don’t want to do that.” or “I won’t do that.” However, can’t shouldn’t be part of any Christian vocabulary. Especially mine, because I wouldn’t let my kids use it.

Lexicon :: Strong’s G1411 – dynamis defines power as strength power, ability 1) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth. the power which the resurrection of Christ has, for instructing, reforming, elevating, tranquilizing, the soul, inhering in godliness and operating upon souls

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭and

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” ‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬

The same power that raise Christ from the dead lives in me. The truth to that excuse is that if God has called me to it, He will carry me through it. I can do all things through Him, by His Spirit that lives in me.‭

Another excuse I make is “You just don’t know what they have done.” Again this one comes down to I don’t want to. I don’t love them enough to say what He wants me to say or do what He wants me to do.

Lexicon :: Strong’s G26 – agapē affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬

“Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬

‭I am called to love as God loved me. He loved me despite my sin. His love covered the multitude of my sins. He commands me to love others just as He loves me. And if I don’t love them enough to obey Him and share Him, I don’t love Him enough because I haven’t received His love fully.

Another excuse I use frequently is I can’t control myself or I couldn’t help it. The truth of that statement is “I really wanted it.” Or “I wanted to do it.”

Lexicon :: Strong’s G4995 – sōphronismos self-control, moderation

“So then, my friends, because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬

“Jesus answered, “What is humanly impossible is possible for God.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭27‬ ‭

If I am a living sacrifice, not confirmed to this world, I will all the fruit of God’s Spirit, of self control to grow in my life. I will admit that what may be impossible for my human nature is possible with God’s spirit within me. Lack of self-control is just allowing my flesh to control me.

God’s Word, His Spirit breaks down excuses. It breaks down the few I’ve shared and probably every other one we can make. We can do anything by His power through us. We can do anything by His love in us. We can do anything when His Spirit grows in us.

Lord, continue to break down every excuse my flesh comes up with for disobeying You. I want to follow You Word. I want to follow Your will. I will walk in Your power, Your love, Your Spirit of self-control.