When my students give me excuses for late papers I have no idea if they are telling the truth. Since I am employed to be a teacher and not a judge I choose to believe them. I’m sure that many walk away thinking I am a big patsy. That’s okay. I would rather err on the side of the student than on the other side. After all the result is only the shape of a symbol on a piece of paper. I haven’t always been that way but I think as one ages one begins to prioritize what is really important. If a paper is a class late it is not the end of the world nor will it take away from the quality of my life while it might add to the quality of the student’s life.
It’s difficult to make excuses to God because He was watching all along and He does know the truth. That’s scary. He knows more truth about us than we know about ourselves because we tend to rationalize things to make ourselves feel better.
Solomon said, “For God will judge us for everything we do, including every hidden thing, good or bad.” How very frightening that would be if Jesus had not come and said, “I say emphatically that anyone who listens to my message and believes in God who sent me has eternal life, and will never be damned for his sins, but has already passed out of death into life.” John 5
How awesome it is that even though He knows the truth about us He still loves us. Never make excuses to God. It’s futile. Bite the bullet, admit guilt and then accept His grace. Our Father loves to give us grace. It makes Him happy.
Written by Roger Bothwell on December 12, 2014
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org