Today’s Reading, Amos 1-5
Focal Scripture: Amos 3:2 “I have known only you out of all the clans of the earth; therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities.”
Tony Dungy when he was coaching would tell his players this phrase “No excuses, no explanation.” This phrase carries a lot of weight with it when you break it down. He wanted his players to own their mistakes and failures. Too often people want to offer up reasons why things didn’t get done or things went sideways. Coach Dungy wanted them to learn and be better when they failed. To own what happened with them.
In the reading today Amos is speaking to the Israelites and God has given a choice word to them. He wants them to know that they are a chosen people. A people hand selected out of all the nations. They have been blessed. Because of this they will be judged harshly because they know better. They can’t give excuses or explanations. There is an expectation and if that expectation is not met than consequences arise.
For the believer the same is true. Too often believers make excuses or try to explain away sin in their life. When instead it would be better to just admit the sin and work on it with the Lord. God has granted us a great gift of salvation. He has given us a new heart. Our excuses are our way of justifying our bad behavior and choices.
So what can be done about this? We must realize who we are in Christ and bring our selves before the Lord. We must work at being in tune with his spirit. When conviction comes we must listen to the Lord’s leading. God doesn’t need excuses or explanations. He just wants repentance.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Amos 6-9 & Obadiah 1
