There seems to be an often-imitated image of Christian faith that associates any number of weaknesses with those who follow Christ. Weakness may be an experience physically, but should not be associated with the spirit of those who follow their Lord.
In the book of Proverbs, there is a pointed reprimand of those who would think it appropriate to declare their inabilities, when such weakness is not preventive of one’s ability to act.
“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength being small; if you hold back from rescuing those taken away to death, those who go staggering to the slaughter; if you say, “Look, we did not know this” –does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it? And will he not repay all according to their deeds? (Proverbs 24:10-12 NRSV)
I do not think I have ever read a more powerful mandate to seize the day; to take action at the time of opportunity; to never fail to do what good can be done as we have the chance. We are called to rescue. As Paul said, we are “ambassadors for Christ.” Jesus said we are to minister to “the least of these.” We are to face the moment we find ourselves able act and to do it. Excuses are not good in the face of the God who knows every aspect of our hearts. Veiled pleas of ignorance fail in light of the knowledge of his knowing. Even our own declarations of weakness will not stand in the face of our abilities to do something.
For those of us who know we owe our Lord everything…it stands to reason that we owe Him our best, our most willing and valiant efforts, our highest commitment to go in His name to share with this world of dying men and women the truth of God’s love and forgiveness and new life. No excuses will stand.
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