TUESDAY June 7, 2022
Excuses! Excuses!
“Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the LORD’s house should be built.” ’ ” Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?”
Haggai 1:2-4
God knew His people’s priority––self. He had listened to their conversations. They had come back into the land, but talked to each other, saying, “No, it is not the right time to build God’s house.” This was willful disobedience. The top priority was to build the Lord’s house; instead, the money they earned, the time they had, and all their efforts were poured into building their own beautiful homes.
They had obviously made excuses for putting off building God’s house. It was not a convenient time to do so––no, the time to build God’s house had not come. God was very displeased with their excuses. They needed a good examination of their lives. The message the Lord gave the prophet Haggai was so they could do just that––reevaluate their priorities and consider their ways. The Word of the Lord was used to bring conviction to their selfish motives and disobedient actions.
Have you ever tried to excuse yourself when someone has confronted you with something you have failed to do? Perhaps something you have done wrong in the workplace, school or at home? When it was brought to your attention, did you find an excuse?
Excuses are never beneficial. It is far better to be honest with people and just own up to what you have done wrong. It is nobler to take the blame than to offer lame excuses for your failures. Do not make procrastination a habit. Why not make the time to do what was asked of you? Obedience––so simple.
Know this, God does not accept our excuses; He expects our obedience.
Leadership is taking responsibility while others are making excuses.
~John C. Maxwell~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
