Do We Make Excuses Not to Serve the Lord?
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you
Matthew 6:33
How often do we place worldly things above serving the Lord? True there are times when we have to work or travel, or when we are sick; but how many times do we simply get our schedules reversed – me first then God? Do we really have the faith to first seek his kingdom and righteousness?
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24). This verse tells us to deny ourselves and follow Christ. We all need to ask ourselves if there are times when we find an excuse not to deny self but instead to deny Christ? These are times that we could reschedule and follow Christ.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Seeking the Lord with all your heart means there is nothing of higher priority than Christ. This verse doesn’t tell us to seek the Lord only when it’s convenient, but to seek the Lord at all times through prayer, Bible study, worship, and meditation. We should seek the Lord with other Christians on a regular basis, but if we routinely give other things a higher priority, can we really say that we are seeking the Lord with all of our hearts?
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). As Christ becomes the center of our lives and we live to serve him as the number one priority in our lives, then we start living life to the full. We seek the Lord with all of our hearts with a great desire to know him and to have a closer relationship with him. The closer we are to the Lord, the better our lives become, the more meaningful life becomes, and the more eternally-minded we become. Giving something higher priority than God will assure never living life to the full.
Today don’t make excuses that will keep you from serving the Lord, whether it is ministering to someone, praying, studying the Bible, or fellowshipping with your Christian brothers and sisters. Living for Christ is the best possible life one can ever have, so don’t put barriers of any type between yourself and the Lord. Surrender your life to the Lord and he will set you free. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).
Let’s Pray: Lord, please take away any excuses that will keep me from serving you. Help me to seek you with all of my heart. Mold me to be more Christ-like so I can have a closer relationship with you, and live to serve you. In Jesus name, Amen