In what ways can we avoid excuses when committing to Christ's call? The Excuse Exposed “Still another said, ‘I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.’ ” (Luke 9:61) Why Excuses Sabotage Obedience • They place something—even good things—above Christ’s supremacy. • They delay kingdom work, dulling spiritual urgency (Luke 9:62). • They reveal divided loyalties that Jesus refuses to share (Matthew 6:24). Common Forms of Delay • “Family first” – Luke 9:61; compare Matthew 10:37. • “Responsibilities first” – Luke 14:18-20. • “Stability first” – Matthew 8:21-22. Practical Ways to Silence Excuses • Decide beforehand that Jesus outranks every claim on your time. • Act immediately on clear commands; obedience delayed is disobedience (James 1:22). • Keep eyes forward: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62). • Trust Christ with what you leave behind—He cares for your family more than you do (1 Peter 5:7). • Replace “but first” with “yes, Lord”—surrender vocabulary shapes behavior. Reinforcing Scriptures • Matthew 8:22 – “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” • 2 Corinthians 5:15 – “Those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him.” • Hebrews 12:1-2 – Lay aside every weight and run with endurance. Daily Habits That Keep Us Ready • Start mornings in Scripture, letting His voice outrank every other. • Journal prompt obedience steps; review them nightly. • Share commitments with an accountability partner who will ask, “Have you acted yet?” • Celebrate small acts of immediate obedience to build momentum. • Regularly rehearse testimonies of God’s faithfulness—memory fuels courage. Living Without Excuses Christ’s call is urgent, worthy, and backed by His unfailing provision. When He speaks, drop the “but first,” grip the plow, and move forward—eyes on the King, heart set on His kingdom. |
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