Items of Interest October 24, 2011 Issue

No excuses in our work for God

Douglas D. Webster

Excerpted from “Living by the Word: August 28, 2011” in the August 23, 2011, issue of The Christian Century. © 2011 The Christian Century. Used with permission.

The life of Moses is so large and significant that it’s hard to imagine that we have anything in common with him—until he opens his mouth. As soon as he starts to talk he sounds just like us. When he starts offering excuses, he’s not saying anything that we haven’t used as reasons for not surrendering our lives to God.

I identify with his reluctance. It took me a long time to feel comfortable with my calling as a pastor. . . . This is what makes Moses’ encounter with God important—we tend to counter everything God says to us with a quick excuse. When God called Moses, he responded with at least five excuses, all of which believers have stubbornly used throughout the centuries. . . .

I am amazed at what we will do for ourselves but refuse to do for God. Many of us go to great lengths to live an adventuresome life, but to live our lives for the sake of Christ is asking too much. If we are capable of life-sacrificing passion for our ego goals, why can’t we surrender ourselves to God? If some of us can risk our lives to climb Mount Everest, why don’t more of us risk our reputations for the sake of the gospel? 

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Interfaith delegation helps secure freedom for American hikers
October 24, 2011
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