Memory Verse: "'I have sinned. I violated the Lord's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them...forgive my sin...But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.'" (1 Sam.15:24-25,30 NIV)
Scripture Reading: 1 Sam.15:1-35.
Saul had disobeyed God, but even after admitting his sins, he started making excuses. Instead of admitting his guilt, Saul blamed others and tried to cover up his actions with false spirituality. Then, he tried to convince Samuel that he should not have to face correction.
It is so easy to be like Saul and make excuses for our mistakes. We might seek to blame others, like our parents or friends. We can point to flaws in our education or poor economic conditions. We can point to the influence of programs, films, or social media. We can even use the things of God as an excuse.
But we all need to realize that excuses don't draw us closer to God, fix our problems, or lead to peace or greater blessings.
In contrast with Saul, David was honest when his sins were revealed. He asked God to "wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and to "create in me a clean heart." (Ps.51)
If you want victory, don't give in to excuses. Be honest with God. Remember that He is interested in what is best for you. He wants to deal with anything that blocks the flow of His blessings and creates problems for you.
By way of application of today's devotional in our individual lives, I am admonishing us that as God reveals our sins to us, we should confess them before Him. Ask Him to create a clean heart in you, to forgive, heal, and restore you. Then, commit your life to serving and pleasing Him. Seek to have a more intimate relationship with Him. Live according to His principles. And of course, seek to be led by His Spirit, every moment of your life.
Ponder Point: Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit eliminates our ability to make excuses for our sins.
Action Point: Do not allow your flesh push you [anymore] to make excuses for your sins. Own up and be truly sorry when convicted.
Prayer: Father, reveal to me if I am making excuses for sins in my life. Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me in Jesus name, Amen.
there are people who blatantly continue in sin, act as if it’s insignificant, who disobey God, and then say, “we all fall short, we’re all growing” to block anyone who would rebuke them for behaving and continuing in ways that are clearly against the Word of God. I understand that we all mess up, but are we trying to live right (through the power of God), or are we being rebellious and using scriptures to justify our behavior?
ReplyDelete“We all fall short”
This saying is taken from Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. This is true, but this is no excuse to continue in sin. Jesus died for our sins so that we wouldn’t have to take the penalty for them (John 3:16); and through confession and repentance, we can receive forgiveness and salvation. But more importantly, Jesus died so that we’d learn how to say
NO to sin (Titus 2:11-12 ). Jesus also left us the Holy Spirit who gives us power to refrain from sin (Galatians 5:16-23).Because we were created to act and be like God – but sin corrupted us – Jesus’ sacrifice has allowed us another chance to be holy.1 Peter 1:13-16
This is a very elaborate comment, I must say. Well said Maurice-Joel Ugbe, thank you.
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