Because the pastor of the church said that there was just no one else available to help him with what needed to be done that day, and you could tell by the tenor of his voice how important it was to him, you agreed to assist him. But when you got home and informed your wife about these new plans, she reminded you of something that you had completely forgotten about, and how important it was to her on that day for you to be with her.
What do you do?
You really only have one choice you know, someone is going to be left on their own that day.
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” (Prov. 18:22)
Your value systems my friends are easily recognized by those closest to you, by those who know you the best, and the decisions you make in this life are representative of who you are.
If you attend a church on a regular basis but rarely if ever speak of Him whom you profess to serve outside of those walls, few would call you a follower of Christ. But if you speak of the Lord Jesus Christ openly with compassion, concern and love for those you meet often, yet do not attend a church, most inside those walls would not call you a Christian.
In other words, as it is said, you can’t win for losing.
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12)
Here is the question I have for you that believe the previous verse, who know full well that you will stand before the Almighty and answer every question that He asks of you that day, without excuses. Do you realize that you are today accountable to people?
No one can look at another person and say with all assurance, “There comes a born-again believer.” Even if your shirt has the words “I Love Jesus” written on it front and back, it’s not possible to tell the wicked from the lost from the saved just by looking at them.
If you help to feed and comfort the poor, visit the sick, volunteer down at the thrift store, no one can tell you are hid in Christ by your appearance or your works. You have to open your mouth and speak.
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” (Matt. 5:37)
But I have brought a quandary before you, have I not? You have obligated yourself to be in two places at one time, and your forgetfulness of your first promises cannot be used as an excuse.
What then? Shall the wife, as a Godfearing, submissive woman express understanding of the importance of the deed that needs to be done as one for the glory of God? Will the pastor be expected to understand the possible marital discourse that might ensue if you do not attend to your wife’s request?
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1st Cor. 13:12)
An innocent mistake, but one of those two people must be made to understand where your priorities lay.
Change the words pastor and wife if you need to recall in your memory where this has happened to you in your past, the actions you took at that time, and you will be able to fulfill this verse.
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” (1st Cor. 11:31)
One of those two people are going to judge you, and here is what the one you must apologize to must be able to see. That you stayed in character to who you are.
Our priorities are what define us my friends, and if they are constant, you can be trusted, and no excuses will be necessary then, there will be no offended party, for they will understand completely.
