Taking Ownership, Missing Opportunities, and the Wisdom of Admitting Mistakes
Let’s be honest: we’ve all made excuses. Whether you’re a politician explaining away a tough choice, a leader sidestepping criticism, or just an ordinary person running late to work, making excuses is part of being human. Sometimes it’s almost automatic—we want to avoid blame, dodge a difficult task, or simply save face. But while everyone does it, the Bible has a lot to say about why it’s better to take responsibility instead.
We’re All in the Habit
Think about the last time you made an excuse. Maybe it was small: “Traffic was bad,” even though you just left home a little late. Or maybe it was bigger—blaming a coworker for a missed deadline, or telling yourself you’ll start that good habit “tomorrow.” Politicians and public figures do it too, often to avoid admitting mistakes. But in the end, excuses are just ways to avoid facing the real issue.
What the Bible Teaches About Excuses
The Bible is pretty clear: making excuses, especially to avoid responsibility or ignore what’s right, isn’t the way to go. Instead, it emphasizes accountability, faithfulness, and obedience.
· Responsibility and Accountability: Throughout the Bible, people are called to own up to their actions. Excuses might make us feel better in the moment, but they don’t solve anything. Proverbs 28:13 puts it simply: “A person who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if that person confesses and forsakes those mistakes, another chance is given.” In other words, honesty and taking responsibility open the door for growth and forgiveness.
· Avoiding What Matters: The Bible warns against using excuses to avoid doing what’s important. There’s a story in Luke 14 called the parable of the banquet, where people were invited to a great feast. Instead of accepting, they made excuses—one had a field to see, another had bought oxen, and another just got married. Because of their excuses, they missed out on the celebration. This story shows that making excuses can cause us to miss amazing opportunities and blessings.
· Even the Best Make Excuses: Even biblical heroes struggled with this. Take Moses, for example. When God asked him to lead the Israelites, Moses gave all sorts of reasons why he wasn’t the right person. God listened but encouraged Moses to rise to the challenge. The key point? Excuses are natural, but growth comes when we move past them.
The Consequences of Excuses
It might feel easier in the short run to make an excuse, but the long-term results aren’t great. We might miss out on important chances, damage relationships, or keep ourselves from learning and improving. The parable of the banquet shows this—those who made excuses weren’t invited back. The same thing can happen to us: we can miss out on opportunities, big and small.
Why Admitting Mistakes Matters
Nobody’s perfect. The Bible encourages us not to hide our flaws but to admit them and seek forgiveness. When we own up to our actions, it builds trust, helps us grow, and opens the door to new chances—just like Proverbs says.
In Everyday Life
So next time you catch yourself making an excuse, pause and think: is there a better, more honest way to respond? Owning your choices might feel uncomfortable at first, but it leads to stronger relationships, a clearer conscience, and, if you’re a person of faith, a closer walk with God.
We all make excuses. But we don’t have to let them define us.
Minister A Francine Green – July 2025
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