Perhaps the one thing humans do better than anything else is to rationalize. We are always looking for reasons to justify our actions, especially when we know those actions are not right in the eyes of God. It’s amazing how good we can be at convincing ourselves to believe our own nonsense. And we know it’s nonsense. We know in our hearts what is right and what is wrong because the Holy Spirit always makes it clear.
But what about the circumstances surrounding our decision? Let’s be clear about what God’s Word says. Circumstances don’t matter; obedience does. (1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:15) The only decision is whether you will listen to a holy and perfect God or your imperfect and selfish heart.
While we may be good at rationalizing our actions, there is never any excuse for sin, and we must never develop any sort of tolerance for it. Life may be difficult and troubling, but the standard expected of us does not change. That standard is holiness without exception. (1 Peter 1:15-16; Matthew 5:48) Holiness does not waver when we get tired; it does not fade when we’re treated unfairly. Holiness is a state of being that transcends our desires and excuses and transforms us into the likeness of Jesus. Circumstances don’t matter, but how we respond to those circumstances makes all the difference.
We all get tired, frustrated, and discouraged. It is in those moments of weakness that Satan sees an opportunity. (1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:11) Rather than bemoan our circumstances, we should use them as a warning signal. We should also remind ourselves of the fact that when we are weak, God is our strength. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Isaiah 40:29-31) That’s especially good news because the truth is we are always weak. No matter how much we want to believe otherwise, we can do nothing in our own strength. (Romans 7:18) Self-sufficiency is not just an illusion; it’s an outright lie. Without Christ, we can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Difficult circumstances often arise because of past sins or failures. Sometimes they occur because we live in a fallen world that dictates bad things are going to happen. Take comfort in knowing God uses every difficulty to make us stronger in our faith and to mold us into looking more like Him. (Romans 8:28-29; James 1:2-4) At least He will if we don’t resist Him. We can go the other way, rationalize our sin, and choose our way over God’s way. Any coherent mind will recognize that course of action as a recipe for disaster.
Your circumstances don’t matter because God never changes and neither does His Word. (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 40:8) All that matters is your surrender and obedience to Him as Lord. (Luke 9:23; Romans 12:1-2) All our excuses are pitiful. Our rationalizations are weak and laughable. But obedience shines like a beacon in the darkness. Obedience is a majestic and uplifting thing. How incredible it is to resist the world, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus no matter what. (Luke 9:23; James 1:22) This is the way we are called to live. So, no more excuses. No more explaining away our actions. Jesus commands obedience, and obedience is the only way. (John 14:15; Luke 6:46)