E2H Jan. Issue

EXCUSES

I’ve heard a lot of them lately, and I’ve made a lot of them lately. If there is anything we can do better on in 2008 it is eliminating our excuse-making habit. And I’ll be working harder at it than anyone—unless, of course, I don’t have enough time (just kidding). I recently ran across something that illustrates twelve excuses one might use for “quitting sports.” It is really amusing when you realize it is an analogy to the excuses some make for “quitting church.” Below is the list:

“Every time I went, they asked me for money.”
“The people with whom I had to sit didn’t seem very friendly.”
“The seats were too hard and uncomfortable.”
“The coach never came to see me.”
“The referee made a decision with which I could not agree.”
“I was sitting with some hypocrites—they only came to see what others were wearing.”
“Some games went into overtime, and I was late getting home.”
“The band played numbers I had never heard before.”
“The games are scheduled when I want to do other things.”
“My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.”
“Since I read a book on sports, I feel that I know more than the coaches anyhow.”
I don’t want to take my children, because I want them to choose for themselves what sport they like best.”

Not all of us attempt to make excuses for “quitting church,” but we all make excuses to ourselves and others about why we’re not doing a certain thing for God. The practice of excuse-making is like other illnesses that harm the soul. It gratifies the individual for an instant and then the effect vanishes, only to be replaced by negative consequences. What does excuse-making offer an individual? Absolutely nothing.

The next time you catch an excuse jumping out of your mouth, remember that God holds an individual accountable for his own actions. Also, others can say or do all kinds of evil against you, but you’re only responsible for your own actions. If you’ve made a mistake—repent. If not, then ignore the critics. Remember Jesus’ own teaching on the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt. 5:11-12).

MYSTERY NIGHT!
What is “Mystery Night?” It was actually born sometime during the earlier part of last year, although it wore a different title. It is a night where we get together and explore several options. We could: eat somewhere, get some coffee, watch a movie at the building, play putt-putt, etc. There are only a few rules: (1) The evening must cost no more than $15; (2) the activities must fall under the time constraints; and (3) we can only do those things that are on the approved list. Join us Jan. 26 and invite a friend!

-BK