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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January
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
February
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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Praying About Panic and PainSurround Yourself With Good People God's Promise To Those Who WaitPrepared By Your PastProtect Your Torch Faith And Flag DayTrust God To ProvideReceiving The Father's BlessingPray Before Making DecisionsGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Carry One Another Remove Whatever Is Contaminating Your MindPray Early And Often Reverence For God's House Trust God For The Impossible What To Do In Times Of Trouble
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Refuse To Give UpTalk To God During Extreme TestingCelebrate FreedomDelivered From FearPut On Shame RepellentGod's Ears And Our TearsAngels Are In Your CornerTaste God's GoodnessBreak Free With HonestyGod Is Fully Aware Of Your AdversityWe Can Defeat WorryGetting Into A Peaceful State Of MindHealthy Fear Leads To BlessingTrust God To ProvideWellness And Your WordsChase Whatever God ApprovesAre Your Problems Backing You Into A Corner?What To Do When You Drift From God?Think About Releasing Your Stress Lord Direct Our PathPathway To BlessingLord Hear Our PrayerCommunicate Kindness
August
MindfulnessGuard Your MindDealing With Unjust CriticismOn Christ The Solid Rock I StandStop Going Against YourselfGood Decisions Require DiscernmentNegativity Equals Toxicity Listen MoreFlourishing In FaithActs Of Goodness Reverberates In Heaven Thank God It's Sunday (TGIS)Slow Down To Deal With StressKeep Praying For Your FamilyRescue-Me PrayersChoose Your Company WiselyTrust God's GuidanceGod's Mercy Will Never Run Out What To Do When You Drift From God?
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