I Dare You To Use “If Only Jesus Had…” as An Excuse
I Dare You to Start your Excuse with “If only Jesus had…”
Finger pointing is easy to do and almost completely automatic for most of us. Agreed? Many of the individuals and couples with whom we work offer some convincing arguments for what they see as the root of their issues.
I imagine you’ve heard some excuses before as well. Here are a few common ones:
1. If only she would listen…
2. If only he was not so callous …
3. They didn’t understand me…
4. My parents were never…
5. My folks would always…
6. My boss was a real jerk…
7. My co-workers were lazy…
In all my life and with all the people in and out of my life, I have never heard anyone say as a reason for their problems, “If only Jesus had…..”
Jesus was faithful to complete the work He started when He was on earth 2000 years ago. He still IS faithful. As a matter of fact, scripture tells us that He is still doing the will of His Father and is seated at the Father’s right hand making intercession for us. (Hebrews 7:25)
I am not sure all that “making intercession for us” means, but I do know that Jesus is praying for us. He is praying for you. He is praying for me. What better or more important person would you want praying for you, than Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. My Savior is not part of my problem. He is the solution.
When my life goes off the rails, as it has in the past, I would easily blame family, friends, enemies, authorities, but I could never blame Jesus. Or, if I had, it would be an outright lie and phony excuse.
When my relationships experience bumpy roads, I quickly saw the other people as problems, but I never saw Jesus as the problem.
What’s the point? The point is that my best move when I feel like making an excuse or accusing others of causing all my issues is to turn to Jesus in prayer, in quiet solitude, in eager inspection of Word of God, so I can connect with the God before Whom my Savior is making intercession.
All those others I am quick to blame, certainly (most of the time) have played a part in hurting me, misleading me, leaving me alone, or misunderstanding my intentions; thus, leaving me feeling abandoned. I am not ignoring the role they played. However, when I run to Jesus and have fresh encounters with Him, He brings a perspective to me that I had forgotten.
Perspective regained:
1. Jesus listens and cares.
2. Jesus’ heart is tender towards me but very honest with me.
3. If anyone understands the human condition, Jesus does.
4. Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us.
5. He always lives to make intercession for me/for us.
6. Jesus is never a jerk. I am at times, but He is not.
7. Jesus always pulls His weight in our relationship and then some.
We may have to confront people who’ve hurt us, try to mend problems we have with others, but before we do, could we take the time to be the with Lord Jesus and get His wisdom, direction, and healing for ourselves before we start making accusations or offering excuses. We may find out that the only one who really needed to change is the person whose reflection we see in the mirror. You and I know that person. Right?