Bury the Excuses

What is that thing you started out with good intentions and enthusiastic zeal? But some where between the start and finish, the excuses began piling up.

I’m too tired.

I’m too busy.

I don’t have time.

I need help.

Blah, blah, blah…you know all the excuses you use for just not following through. In order to accomplish our dreams, there just comes a point where you have to be willing to bury all the reasons why you can’t and decide that you can and will do what it takes.

He said to another person, "Come, be my disciple." The man agreed, but he said, "Lord, first let me return home and bury my father."  Jesus replied, "Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead. Your duty is to go and preach the coming of the Kingdom of God." Another said, "Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family."  But Jesus told him,"Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God."

In Luke 9:59-62, we see two men giving Jesus an excuse that  seem reasonable for not immediately keeping their word to follow him. Who would not want to attend their father’s funeral or say goodbye to their families before leaving on a journey?  But surprisingly He showed no leniency for grief or goodbyes. At first glance His response seems harsh to me but perhaps He took that attitude with them because He could see beyond their logical sounding reasons to the real issue at heart.

I love The Message version of verse 62, which states, Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day." Will you bury the excuses today and make the most of the gift of this day?