This author is not so naive or insensitive that he does not understand that there are times when people are legitimately unable to do things because of extenuating circumstances. On the other hand; however, there seem to be some people who are so wrapped up in themselves and what is happening in their own little world that they can never spare the time to be of assistance to someone else. For example, if you were to ask these people for a ride to somewhere, they will be quick to tell you that they can't because they are not going your way, but in reality, they have to pass right by the doors of the place where you need to go. All it would take is a few extra minutes of their precious time to drop you off and then be on their way, but obviously that appears to be an inconvenience to them. How many times, even at church have people been asked to stay behind, or to come a little early to help do something, and they never seem to be able to because they always have to be somewhere else to do something else? Sometimes that may be the case, but not all the time. Sometimes they are just making excuses for not doing something that they did not have the desire to do in the first place. And as the Yiddish proverb states, "If you don't want to do something, one excuse is as good as another".
People who consistently make excuses to keep from doing something often deprive themselves of many wonderful blessings and opportunities. An excellent illustration of this is given in the parable of the great supper as recorded in the fourteenth chapter of Luke’s gospel in verses 16-24:
17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
How sad to think of the blessings that some could have if they would but only accept the invitation that is given to “Come” instead of always making excuses not to go. Truly there are many who are called, but few will be chosen because “their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:34, 35). In all of their giving of excuses they have failed to learn that “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
When called upon to do something, do we willingly give of our time to be of assistance, or are we quick to formulate an excuse to get out of doing what has been asked of us? Can it be said of us that we are always willing to lend a hand when needed, or do people merely see us as a person who always has another excuse?
These thoughts I leave with you humbly in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
