RISING ABOVE EXCUSES Part 1

It has been quite a while since I posted anything here and would like to assure you that my sabbatical didn’t mean I had stopped writing. That in fact I couldn’t wait any longer vouches for my seeking to be right on the spot regarding the issue at hand, hopefully. Have you ever wondered why the human society is organised and why we plan? Why must you and I rise above excuses in that context? And what excuses?

In this treatise I basically endeavour to nip the subject at least through two of those last pertinent questions. It is very unlike me to begin a discourse with a couple of questions. It’s also unlike me to have a verse/poem on a subject that I’m writing on and have placed it right at the end (in part 2). I will say briefly what moved me to write on the subject from personal observation, experience, and conviction. And in writing on it, I am hoping to scratch where it is itching with regards to unbecoming behaviour about which some people get irritably offended when you probe, myself included sometimes.

It is bad behaviour we must get rid of, especially as Zambians and Africans, if we are to do much real good and take forward lasting progress and adorn our culture.  Musing on the absurdity of most excuses that people give drew me deeper and deeper into thinking, as I pondered the best way to develop a point or two so as to say what was on my mind and burning in my heart. Pick any situation, lame or frivolous excuses can be upsetting and quite trying!

The Absurdity of Frivolous or Lame Excuses

Why do people (individuals and organisations), communities, and even governments give “lame” or unjustifiable/ frivolous excuses for not doing what they should have done or for simply not being where they should be? To make matters worse, they answer with little or no thought at all, yet spontaneously! The shocking and rude part is that they wait for you to inquire from them, only to spew out the abhorrent and treacherous words, “I have not”, “I will not make it”, “I thought…” or “Let me be excused”, or just some other answer to which we sadly don’t reply. I will put it mildly: that is very unfair, disappointing and shameful! Particularly so, when someone is given a clear task or role and responsibility and ample time. Where is civility?

For those of us who profess to be Christians, where is grace, especially if it involves a Church activity versus an ungodly activity or event? Mathew Henry, a great Christian commentator on the whole Bible, put a note about this that “It is very criminal, when we are called to any duty, to make excuses for our neglect of it: it is a sign that there are convictions that it is duty, but no inclination to it.” What is your excuse for not studying the Scriptures regularly, for not evangelising, or not fellowshipping or for not being of service to others? How casual we are with planned and agreed upon activities and tasks and deliverables! What testimony do you have on this issue?

 

Another stinker is when someone is not sorry for their failure or admitting it and they desire to be simply or automatically excused, when nobody else will do it. How do you behave and live like that? And all the while you spend the time, energy, and other resources on unprofitable matters or sheer nonsenses! Reader, would you be guilty of such inordinate self-possession? The temptation is to think that “they will not know”, when in fact you are just deceiving and snaring yourself. God sees everything and has set a day of reckoning. Lets’ remember that our days are numbered. Unfortunately for Christians, such behaviour reveals a preference given to the body over the soul and to the things of time (of the world) above those of eternity. It keeps us from being effective and fruitful in the Lord!

Don’t pretend to love and don’t you fake incompetence for duty when really you presently have a dislike for it. It is more apparent sometimes to leaders/bosses than you could ever imagine. It is shocking also how we find it easy and get accustomed to always giving excuses. That is simply absurd!  Do we weigh matters and recognise little things of small concern or even take great care to manage our worldly affairs so as to be freed from giving excuses over the more important or spiritual ones?

We should not be surprised that abused understanding offends our bosses or leaders and angers God, Luke 14:21. This is a strong warning. “Abused mercy turns into the greatest wrath” remarks Mathew Henry. Christian, the likelihood of you being replaced high indeed! God can raise Children from stones to praise and serve the Lord Jesus Christ if you will not. Interestingly, even little children know it when we give frivolous/lame excuses, so let’s spare ourselves the embarrassment!