Latest Devotion
Reasons or Excuses
By: Julie Maschhoff
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13
When I was a teacher, I taught many different age groups, kindergarten to college, and everything in between. No matter what age, my students were always very creative when they explained why an assignment was missing or late. I've heard everything from “my dog ate it" to "no, I didn't copy someone else's work.”
But their creative excuses weren't only about their homework, they carried over to the playground. While teaching first grade, a little boy said something to me that still makes me laugh when I think about it. A student named Timmy came running in from the playground with tears streaming down his face. Between sobs, Timmy said, "Tommy bit me." Timmy and Tommy were twins, so I immediately called Tommy inside to discuss the incident.
I've taken a few classes in child psychology, so I knew not to ask children if they did anything wrong. At that age they aren't mature enough to answer honestly. Instead, I asked Tommy to tell me why he bit his brother. He stood there quietly, and I could tell he was trying to think of a good reason, one that would get him out of trouble. Finally, he blurted out his answer, "my teeth slipped.” I literally had to turn my face away from him so he wouldn't see me laughing. To Tommy's credit, it was one of the best excuses I've ever heard.
But that memory makes me wonder if God ever laughs when we give Him excuses for our sin. We're human, so we often justify our bad behavior with weak excuses. But there is a huge difference between giving a reason and making up an excuse. Police officers stop cars for speeding because they have exceeded the posted speed limit. I'm sure those officers hear various "reasons" for speeding, but I'm also sure most of them are just excuses.
Our opening verse from Hebrews reminds us that God will ask us to give an account for our actions. To us, our answers might seem like reasons, but God may view them as excuses. Mature believers shouldn't give God excuses; we must admit our mistakes and confess our sin to Him. Instead of making excuses, we must ask for God's forgiveness.
Lord, when we make mistakes, guide our words as we confess our sins to you. Help us repent quickly and admit that we are wrong. Guide our thoughts, words, and actions, and help us be accountable instead of making up excuses.