Stop Making Excuses And Start Making Adjustments
Stop Making Excuses And Start Making Adjustments | October 2, 2023
With ninety-one days left in 2023, what changes can you make to end the year well and position you for success in 2024? Like everyone else, you probably have a "do-over" list, but since those choices are impossible to redo, you need to think in more realistic terms.
See, a winning strategy that will propel you forward in all areas of life is the mindset that says, "I need to stop making excuses and start making the necessary adjustments."
To put this into practice, consider what Proverbs 22:13 says, "The lazy man is full of excuses. 'I can't go to work!' he says. 'If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!' "
There is a difference between a reason and an excuse. A reason is a statement about a justifiable action with a legitimate explanation of which there is no manipulation or agenda. In contrast, an excuse is a weak attempt to blame shift. Instead of "fixing blame, we need to fix the issue," that's where the adjustment comes into play. Romans 12:2 instructs us, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."
We must humbly come before the Lord and surrender our thinking to Him. Rather than questioning everything, which is really a stall tactic to be obedient and responsible, we need to surrender our thoughts and perspectives to God. Enough of the chronic excuse-making, and let's start making the changes that lead to growth and, eventually, a blessing.
Knowing this, what excuses do you need to retire, and what decisions for breakthrough do you need to start making? Perhaps begin by honestly evaluating your relationship with God. Is church a priority to you, or does everything else come before that sacred space that God has commanded you to be a part of each Sunday? What about prayer and devotions? Do you have a margin for that responsibility? Remember, we are as close to God as we choose to be.
Likewise, apply that passion to your career, parenting, sports, and dreams. God loves to use people who willingly lay down the excuses and make the adjustments that He approves.
See, a winning strategy that will propel you forward in all areas of life is the mindset that says, "I need to stop making excuses and start making the necessary adjustments."
To put this into practice, consider what Proverbs 22:13 says, "The lazy man is full of excuses. 'I can't go to work!' he says. 'If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!' "
There is a difference between a reason and an excuse. A reason is a statement about a justifiable action with a legitimate explanation of which there is no manipulation or agenda. In contrast, an excuse is a weak attempt to blame shift. Instead of "fixing blame, we need to fix the issue," that's where the adjustment comes into play. Romans 12:2 instructs us, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."
We must humbly come before the Lord and surrender our thinking to Him. Rather than questioning everything, which is really a stall tactic to be obedient and responsible, we need to surrender our thoughts and perspectives to God. Enough of the chronic excuse-making, and let's start making the changes that lead to growth and, eventually, a blessing.
Knowing this, what excuses do you need to retire, and what decisions for breakthrough do you need to start making? Perhaps begin by honestly evaluating your relationship with God. Is church a priority to you, or does everything else come before that sacred space that God has commanded you to be a part of each Sunday? What about prayer and devotions? Do you have a margin for that responsibility? Remember, we are as close to God as we choose to be.
Likewise, apply that passion to your career, parenting, sports, and dreams. God loves to use people who willingly lay down the excuses and make the adjustments that He approves.
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Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
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Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
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Good Decisions Require Discernment Live By God's PowerPraying For Real ComfortGetting In Rhythm With GodAvoid Self-Righteous PrayersKeep Your Promises With GodMercy Leads To HappinessAddress Any Self-Righteous AttitudesPraying With ConfidenceHow Does God See You?Turn Away From Whatever Gets You StuckStop Talking About Your ProblemsOur Prayers Reach God's EarsStress Management Starts In The MorningFollowing ChristNavigating The Darkness Of This World Measure God's PromisesLittle Light Of MineGet Your Priorities In OrderPraying Without Results Can Be ToughYou Can Overcome DoubtPray ContinuouslyRescue-Me Prayers Practice Inward KindnessTrust God's TimingSurrender My AgendaFocus On Being A River Rather Than A ReservoirGod's Gracious CoveringYou Are Never Out Of God's ReachSeek God With No Strings Attached
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