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August 5, 2020

“The sluggard says, ‘There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!’” – Proverbs 22:13

Do lions really exist? Yes. Are they incredibly powerful and dangerous animals? Yes. Can they kill you? Yes. Will they attack you as you walk around downtown?… Probably not. Proverbs 22:13 is about excuses. The truth is, those who are lazy will look for any excuse to get out of work. This mindset is the exact opposite of the how we, as followers of Christ, are called to live.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Not only should we, as Christians, be the last to make excuses, we should continue in the work of Christ even when there are real threats. We can face all manner of persecution, pressure, confusion, and danger. Why? Because of the next verse, 2 Corinthians 4:10 – “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” You see, we have died to all the dangers of this world so that we can live every day for Jesus Christ. No more excuses. Let’s do the work he has called us to do!

Mighty God and Loving Father, give us courage and strength to do your work no matter what the barriers may be.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon