Focus on Yourself, not Excuses

When we have a sin problem there is always a tendency to make an excuse for why we do it. I think it's time we stopped making excuses and just handled the problem!

We all do this, it's hard not to make an excuse to justify whatever it is we are doing. The reality is that we are all accountable for our own actions regardless of the circumstances around us. The world is fallen, there are always going to be things around us pushing everyone towards sin but none of them can force us to sin. There is never going to be a time that you have to sin, even if means dying. That's right, I am telling you even if someone has a gun to your head and is telling you to sin, you should choose death in that scenario. However terrifying death may be, it is still more important to not sin. I am aware that as Christians we are saved regardless of what we do wrong but that doesn't mean it doesn't matter anymore, if anything, it matters more.

I hear it all the time, “Oh I only lusted because she dressed immodestly!” or maybe, “I can't afford the music/game unless I pirate it so that's what I do!”. Both of these people for some reason believe that they haven't done anything wrong because of external reasons. I wish these things were uncommon, but they aren't. The truth is even if someone is completely naked and posing sexually in front of you, it is still possible to not lust after them. Those thoughts are yours. It is also true that you aren't entitled to anything, I don't care if someone makes their song 1,000 dollars, or if it's not for sale at all, you have no right to steal just because it's out of your reach. We as Christians need to do better than this. I would expect this sort of thing from atheists but I mainly hear it from Christians. These excuses only hurt us and help us to ignore the real problem; ourselves.

We can always find an excuse to justify anything that we do, but the truth is it's all on us. We choose to think or act a certain way, it doesn't matter what is around us. I know that this world can make things harder but it is always up to us to set an example and be better. As Christians, we are set apart from the world and God has high expectations of us. Let's stop making excuses and get down to the real problem of our hearts and minds. Let's strive to be better regardless of what the people around us are doing. Understand that no matter what you are going to be the one held accountable for your sin, it doesn't matter if your family and friends do it too. It could even be your church doing it, but if you know it's wrong, you shouldn't. In fact, you should be speaking out against it and trying to make a change in your personal relationships. This all might seem very hard to you but I promise it is exactly what God expects of you.

Now I am not saying to just risk yourself all the time and that you should be immune to all sin, we still need to be careful with what we expose ourselves to. But whatever may happen, don't make an excuse for why you sinned, take full responsibility and own it. That way you can begin to make real progress instead of just shaking your fist at the world around you for making you that way. We can all do better, so let's get to it and stop making excuses from here on out!