Bible Truths Illustrated by J. C. Ferdinand Pittman

:
:
BIBLE TRUTHS ILLUSTRATED
usually of the nature of the excuse of the man in the parable
"I have bought a field, and I must needs go and see it; I pray
thee have me excused" (Luke 14:18). So, what is optional is
raised to the level of positive duty. A man wants to go that
way, instead of answering the call of Christ, so the wish is
father to the thought, and the excuse offered, "I must needs
go."
It can scarcely be said that by callous wickedness men usually
exclude themselves from Christ's Kingdom, or neglect Christian
duties. The more common, reason is careless indifference. The
affairs of the world are so pressing. Men hear the divine
summons, "Go, work in my vineyard," but there are other calls
they hear; there is other work to do.
Never yet was a good excuse offered for indifference to the
claims of Christ, or the neglect of Christian duty. Men need'
to realise that to accept Christ and serve Him is the greatest
business of life. "Seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness
; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6: 33).
Attention needs diverting from self, one's feelings, business or
pleasure, and turned to the consideration of the reasonableness
of religious requirements. Men need frequent reminders that
with every pulse-beat they are getting worse; every breath is
bringing them nearer to life's close. The last call will soon be
heard ; then, if they still have excuse to offer, they shall be
numbered amongst the rejected. "For I say unto you, that
none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper"
(Luke 14:24).
295. Helpful passages for those who give excuses
1. Those who are good enough. Rom. 3:10; Luke 16:15;
Luke 18:9-14.
2. Those who are too bad. Isa. 1 : 18 ; Luke 19 : 10 ; Heb. 7 : 25.
3. Those who are waiting to get better. Matt. 9 : 12, 13 ;
John
1:29; Tit. 3:5.
4. Those who are afraid they will fail. 1 Cor. 10 : 13 ; 1 Pet.
4:19; Jude 24.
5. Those who are waiting for feeling. Rom. 10 : 17 ;
John
5:24; John 6:37.
6. Those who stumble at inconsistent Christians. Matt. 7: 1-5;
John 21:21, 22; Rom. 14:12.
108