In sports, there are legitimate reasons for some players having bad seasons and teams not performing at the desired level. However, when these reasons turn into ongoing excuses, they must be addressed so the excuses can ultimately stop.
The Las Vegas Raiders, and quarterback Derek Carr, are at this point while heading into the upcoming season. ESPN.com has a headline that reads, “For Raiders' Derek Carr, No More Excuses (Real or Imagined).”
As the team has made some key changes and surrounded Carr with the necessary weapons to succeed, now is the time to put it all together.
Over the years, Carr has proven to be an effective starting quarterback, but the past few seasons have been challenging with Jon Gruden taking over as the head coach, veteran players being traded away, the team moving to a new city, and the defense playing unreliably.
They have now added defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, who knows how to build a strong defense, Henry Ruggs III is heading into his second season as a potential star, and Kenyan Drake is a new threat in the backfield.
Tight end, Darren Waller, and running back, Josh Jacobs (both Pro Bowlers) are returning on offense and will continue to be key contributors alongside Carr.
It’s clear, there are no more excuses for Carr and the Raiders to make. They must go out and maximize their opportunity to have a winning season.
In our own lives, there are legitimate reasons why we do or don't do certain things. However, these reasons can turn into ongoing excuses that prevent us from moving forward and maximizing the opportunities God gives us.
At some point, the reasons have to be addressed and the excuses have to stop.
We're flawed and fall short, but we often make ongoing excuses for why we make mistakes, why we let people down, why we don’t follow through, and why we can’t do something. We also make excuses for why we sin and sometimes give excuses to sin.
As followers of Jesus, we've been given grace and forgiveness, but it doesn’t give us an excuse to sin. 1 Peter 2:16 (AMP) tells us to “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover or pretext for evil, but as bond-servants of God.”
Another challenge we have is to stop making excuses for why we can’t forgive someone and why we shouldn’t love someone. We have a long list of reasons, but we have to realize these excuses are holding us back from being obedient to God's Word.
Also, asking ourselves why we continue making excuses for not telling others about Jesus is especially important. We know He changes lives and people need Him, so why are we okay with making excuses for not sharing the Gospel?
Finally, some people make excuses for not believing in God at all, but the Bible doesn’t give them an out. Romans 1:20 (AMP) says, “For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power, and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship , so that they are without excuse and without defense.”
As we look at the ESPN headline again, let's put our name in there: “For ___, No More Excuses (Real or Imagined).”
Let's ask ourselves if we're willing to take responsibility for our actions and do what’s right, be reliable, and make the most of our situation.
Now is the time to repent, surrender to God, do what He calls us to do, rely on His power, share His love with others, and maximize the opportunities in front of us and all He’s provided.
As 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT) tells us, “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.”
Today, let's follow this great quote you may have heard: "No excuses…play like a champion!"
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for making excuses when I disobey, procrastinate, and let others down. Help me to live a life of integrity and strength as I rely on You instead of myself. Thank you for Your grace and for the freedom You’ve given me in Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What excuses do you most often rely on?
How do you feel when others give you excuses?
How can you replace excuses with responsibility and change?
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