We have excuses for almost everything just as those in Luke 14:15-24 thought they had valid excuses for their actions. When we look at this text, we note a number of excuses given for failure to carry out what was expected of them as if that somehow provided them with valid reasons for their shortcomings.
Often times, when examined in light of common sense, we see that our excuses are weak. For example, the story is told of two men fishing on Sunday instead of going to worship; one had a troubled conscience; finally he said, “I couldn’t have gone to services anyhow; my boy is sick.”
Jesus offers salvation to all who will obey him (Hebrews 5:8, 9; Matthew 11:28-30). Yet many people offer excuse after excuse for their failure to obey. There may be some reading this that are not Christians, who are offering some sort of excuse or excuses for not becoming one. In this article we want to examine several common excuses offered by people for not becoming Christians and, in doing so, perhaps, touch upon the one you are offering.
“I AM AFRAID OF WHAT PEOPLE WILL SAY” – Too many people are ashamed of the gospel. We need to be as Paul and not allow such to interfere with our dedication (Romans 1:16). Some worry about what parents or friends will say. Of course, we are taught to obey our parents, but not if it is destructive to our souls (Luke 14:26). If our “friends” are true friends then they will support our actions and be happy for us. What we have to remember is, we must give account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We cannot be ashamed of Christ or His word and expect Him to confess us at Judgment (Luke 9:26; Matthew 10:32, 33).
“I AM NOT GOOD ENOUGH” OR “I AM TOO MEAN” – How long is it going to take you to become “good enough”? As long as you serve the Devil you will never be “good enough” to serve God (Matthew 6:24; Romans 6:13-16; 2 Timothy 3:13). As we think about being too mean, have you committed sins worse than those in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11? What must be understood is if we were already “good enough” we would not need Jesus (Matthew 9:10-13). Christ died for the ungodly to provide them with the opportunity to be saved (Luke 19:10; Romans 5:8).
“I JUST COULDN’T HOLD OUT FAITHFULLY” – If we are relying on ourselves then we probably can’t. When it comes to the temptations of life, we have a promise of help from God (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Apostle Paul endured much and yet remained faithful, teaching us that we can do the same (2 Corinthians 11:24-28; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). We should do our best and rely upon the grace of God to help us through where that is just not enough (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
“I AM TOO YOUNG” OR “I AM TOO OLD” – Are you old enough to know that you are a sinner? Are you old enough to know that you need a Savior? Are you old enough to know what is required of you to obey and be saved? If so, then you are accountable to God. God wants the young to obey before they entangle themselves in sin (Ecclesiastes 12:1). So often young people think they have to sow their “wild oats” before they obey. What needs to be kept in mind God’s law of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7, 8). We cannot sow wild oats all week, attend services on Sunday, and pray for crop failure. When it comes to being “too old,” whether one obeys at the 2nd hour or the 11th hour they are accepted by God (Matthew 20:6, 9). The danger is in letting opportunities pass, waiting for the 11th hour, until it has already passed.
“I DO NOT KNOW ENOUGH” – If you are waiting to know what the entire Bible has to say, you will never obey. If you read this article, you will know what you must do to be saved. The Eunuch (Acts 8) and the Pentecostians (Acts 2) heard only one sermon and they understood enough to obey. Having heard the gospel, they repented of their sins, confessed Christ, and were baptized for the remission of their sins. Your concern should be with obedience to the gospel and then growth (Ephesians 4:15; 1 Peter 2:2).
“I AM NOT READY TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN” OR “I AM TOO BUSY TO BECOME ONE” – Will you take time out to die? Will you take time out to appear at judgment? Consider the two occasions of those who thought they did not have the time to obey as recorded in the New Testament:
The Foolish virgins – Matthew 25:1-13
Felix – Acts 24:25
As we consider these excuses, when do you think you will have more time than right now? As the Apostle Paul indicated, “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). I have heard it said, “If you are too busy for God, you are too busy.” I do not know who coined that phrase, but they well said what needs to be understood.
There are no excuses permissible by God that will set aside the pronouncement of condemnation at the Judgment for failure to obey. Won’t you carefully consider your soul’s condition and obey while you have the opportunity?
Robert Stapleton's Blog 