April 29th-Evening | EXCUSES

How often do you make excuses? The Bible says in James 5:12, “Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned for it.” Be aware of excuses because they always lean toward lies and lying leads to death and separation. I read a story about a teenager in counseling that said, “I’m sixteen and I made up my mind not to drink… but people make it very hard for me to refuse. They keep on insisting and pressing, and some even get angry if I say, ‘I’m sorry, I’d rather have a soda.’ So what’s the best way to refuse?” His counselor replied, “No need to say, ‘I’m sorry’ because you’re inviting them to persuade you if you sound like you’re apologizing. All you need to say is ‘thanks, but I only drink soda.’ If you can just get the knack of being proud and grateful for being able to hold your standards without feeling awkward or intolerant, you’re going to be the nicest example of a human being.” Let your yes be yes and your no be no. No excuses. No apologies.