by Robert J. Kurz, M.A. Counseling

“Almost” can be one of the saddest words in the English language.  It typically signifies a missed
opportunity based on an excuse. The bible says, “To him who knows to do good and does not do it,
to him it is sin.” James 4:17. In my counseling ministry, I encounter many people who “almost” realize
their goals. Nearly all of them who fall short offer excuses to explain their failure. God is not interested
in excuses. He is interested in obedience to His word.

The Apostle Paul had an amazing opportunity to share his faith in Christ with King Agrippa.  In today’s
political world that would be the equivalent of witnessing to the president of the United States.  After
listening to Paul, King Agrippa responded, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”  That
one word, almost, will echo in Agrippa’s mind for all of eternity.  It represents his missing the most
important opportunity of his life. I’m sure he had his excuses in mind when he “almost” responded
to the Apostle Paul, but none of them will stand up to God’s scrutiny on judgment day.

One writer said, “All of the really good excuses have already been taken.  That’s why excuses don’t
work; so, if you’re wasting your time trying to concoct a new and improved excuse, don’t bother. It’s
impossible. A far better strategy is this – just do what you are supposed to do!”  In spite of all the
really good excuses having been used already, people still keep trying, don’t they?  They make
excuses for not coming to church, for not praying daily, for not reading their bible, for not forgiving
those who wrong them, for not spending time with their family, for not respecting authority, and...the
list goes on and on.

There are many things a Christian is supposed to do according to God’s word.  In fact, the bible is
filled with action commands. Consider the following brief list of commands:

• Walk in the Spirit
• Pray without ceasing
• Give cheerfully
• Forgive those who wrong you
• Teach all nations
• Submit to God
• Resist the devil
• Take the shield of faith
• Fight the good fight
• Study the word of God
• Flee immorality
• Deny the flesh
• Seek first the Kingdom of God
• Love your enemies
• Speak words that edify

We could continue for quite a long time listing the many  commands God has given to His
followers. Notice that each one listed above begins with an action verb.  They have little or nothing to do
with how we feel, but rather, with what we do. There is a universal truth about how people live that
applies to every man, woman and child.  It is simply this – “We all do the things we value, and we do
most what we value most.” In other words, what we actually do (how we spend our time) is an
accurate indicator of what we value most.

As you consider the list above, several questions should come to mind.  Am I really doing the things
God has commanded me to do?  Do I work harder at making excuses than I do at obeying?  Is there
anything in God’s list of commands that would harm me if I did them?  Do I value God’s word enough
to live it?

Like King Agrippa, every man will answer for himself on judgment day.  Some will be rewarded for
their obedience; others will be condemned for their excuses.  As James reminds us in his epistle, if we
are hearers only, and not doers of the Word, we deceive ourselves.  Don’t be deceived by your
excuses – simply trust and obey!