An Excuse to Serve

 

“May the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him.”–Heb 13:20-21a (NIV)

 

Whenever somebody starts talking about Christian service, it’s best to duck. Why? Because excuses will inevitably fly! We can think  of  a  zillion  reasons  why  we  shouldn’t  begin  to  serve, continue serving, or step into greater ministry responsibilities. I’ve heard a lot, and even made a few myself. Fortunately, God gave us a BIG Bible. And the lives of the many remarkable servants in that book cover every category of excuse we could make for not being people who“serve the LORD with gladness” (Ps 100:2).

 

So if you’re concerned that there are just too many reasons why you can’t serve, you’re in good company. Here is a sampling…

 

Moses stuttered. John was self-righteous. David’s armor didn’t fit. Samson was “codependent.” Paul rejected John Mark. Naomi was a widow.

Timid Timothy had ulcers. Paul and Moses murdered. Hosea’s wife was a prostitute.   Jonah ran from God.

Amos was just a fig farmer. Miriam was a gossip.

Joseph was abused. Gideon and Thomas doubted. Jacob lied and was insecure. Jeremiah was depressed.

David had an affair. Elijah was burned out. Solomon was too rich. Martha was a worrywart. Jesus was too poor. Mary was lazy. Abraham was too old. Samson had long hair. David was too young. Noah got drunk. Peter was afraid of death. Peter had a short fuse. Lazarus was dead. Zacchaeus was unpopular. Habakkuk was impatient. John the Baptist? Eccentric!

 

For all His gentleness, Jesus wasn’t very sympathetic toward excuses (cf. Luke 14:16-35). Fortunately, Hudson Taylor was correct to say, “All God’s giants were weak people.” In fact, He chose “foolish” and“weak” people to serve Him,“so that no-one may boast before him” (1 Cor 1:27-29). On top of that He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). It is from a posture of “weakness” that we can serve in “power” (13:4). So let’s stop making excuses for not serving—and start viewing each hindrance as an “excuse” to experience and serve in God’s grace and power!

 

To Do and Discuss: Record a list of excuses you’ve made or heard for not serving. Then, cross each out as you discuss how each statement actually reveals an opportunity to experience God’s grace and power as one serves.