Excuses are the path of least resistance when it comes to evading responsibility. Employers recognize that the most ineffective workers are those who always have a reason for incomplete tasks—bad weather, a broken-down car, insufficient information, or illness. While these explanations may seem plausible initially, they ultimately fail because excuses never produce results. Organizations seek solutions, not explanations. Every failure can be distilled into a single word: excuse.
Death itself represents the ultimate failure, as nothing further can be accomplished—except for the ideas one leaves behind. In the absence of excuses, failure loses its foothold. No one has ever been rewarded for making excuses, except the servant in the parable who buried his talent out of fear (Matthew 25:24-30), and his “reward” was exile into outer darkness. For those possessing even a mustard seed of faith, the word “impossible” ceases to exist.
The Lesson of Responsibility in Scripture
Jesus’ miracle of feeding thousands with five loaves of bread transcended the supernatural—it embodied a profound lesson in responsibility. The disciples stood ready with excuses to dismiss the hungry crowd, yet Jesus demonstrated the value of utilizing whatever resources exist to address genuine needs. Too often, people fixate on the miracle itself rather than the principle it teaches: taking responsibility. Scarcity frequently emerges when people focus more on themselves than on what they can contribute, forgetting that God is an unlimited provider.
As humans, we are often evaluated by our capabilities. While it’s impossible to be acquainted with everything, what eludes our understanding, someone else surely possesses. Recognizing this leaves minimal room for excuses. Whenever we receive an assignment, the answers to even the most challenging questions about execution can be discovered. This understanding underlies Paul’s emphasis on giving honor where it’s due. Though we may be born equal, each of us possesses unique strengths and abilities.
The patriarch Noah confronted a monumental challenge, which he overcame through meticulous adherence to the Lord’s detailed instructions for constructing the massive ark. As a faithful servant of God, he succeeded precisely as commanded. The absence of support from his contemporaries could not justify failing the mission God had entrusted to him. Noah didn’t even question the seemingly impossible task of gathering wild animals of all temperaments to enter the ark in orderly fashion.
When God Confronts Human Excuses
Like children before Him, there are moments when God must tolerate our foolishness, particularly when we retreat behind that familiar refuge in excuse—the reason for failure. Moses nearly kindled the Lord’s anger when tasked with liberating the Israelites from Pharaoh’s grip in Egypt. Nothing inherently distinguished Moses as the sole candidate—anyone could have accomplished it, as we are all created equally in God’s image.
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses, and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it” (Exodus 4:10-17 NIV)
What’s most striking in the exchange between God and Moses is the contrast between two declarations of identity. When offering his excuse, Moses says, “I am slow of speech and tongue.” Later, he asks God whom he should tell the people sent him, and God responds by identifying Himself as the “I AM.” Here we witness the inadequate “I am” juxtaposed with the omnipotent “I AM” who would perform wonders through Moses.
The point resonates clearly: the weak human “I am” pales before the powerful divine “I AM” who would lead the Israelites from Egypt. Who is this “I AM” tasked with the monumental mission of freeing the Israelites, if not the hesitant Moses? This serves as a simple reminder of how futile excuses become when executing divine tasks. In a sense, Moses was unknowingly suggesting that God shared his limitation—a sentiment Jesus later rebuked in His disciples.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm (Matthew 8:25-26 NIV).
The disciples were genuinely experiencing fear and powerlessness, which implicitly suggested that God, in whose image they were created, might also be perceived as fearful and powerless. Jesus attributed this misunderstanding to insufficient faith. It’s worth contemplating how faith develops and what causes it to diminish. It often falters when knowledge feels overwhelming. What the disciples overlooked—like most of us—was the simple truth of being created in God’s image. With that awareness, nothing should inspire intimidation.
God’s children possess authority over everything in their environment. They can face anyone or anything with confidence, acting in harmony with God’s will. Whatever occurs in this world is designed to strengthen their faith. Nothing feels intimidating when approached with trust, knowing God understands their capabilities and has positioned them there purposefully.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV).
The Trap of Misplaced Blame
It’s easy to slip into the habit of making excuses and blaming others for matters we could address ourselves. For instance, we might point fingers at the government for litter in our neighborhoods, forgetting we participated in electing them. Instead of taking responsibility for our role in the problem, we treat these leaders as though they’re beyond accountability. Some even claim they hold power because God placed them there, overlooking that the citizens either voted or abstained, potentially leaving the wrong people in charge.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4 NIV).
The challenges we encounter, regardless of their magnitude, only match what God knows we can handle. Threats that once appeared capable of overwhelming humanity shouldn’t drive us to despair. We possess the capacity to overcome them, no matter how intimidating they seem. When David observed Goliath threatening God’s people, he didn’t dwell on his limited battle experience or the failures of Saul’s warriors. He simply stepped forward to confront the challenge and prevailed, without wasting time thinking about the behavior of other people.
What distinguished David wasn’t anything extraordinary, but his faith in the truth that nothing is impossible with God. Yet his greatest challenge came not from the enemy, but from those who should have supported him, like his brother Eliab, who grew angry at what he perceived as youthful arrogance. David’s confidence, however, stemmed from truth rather than conceit. God communicates with each of us differently, but not everyone proves willing to be used by Him.
The prophet Jonah attempted to evade God’s command to preach to the Ninevites by purchasing a ticket for the passage to Tarshish, mistakenly believing this would satisfy God. His excuse rested on the notion that the Ninevites were too sinful to merit mercy. To teach a lesson, God intervened, having Jonah thrown into the sea and swallowed by a great fish, which transported him to his intended destination. Like most excuses, Jonah’s justification, coming from another source, rather than God, proved unfounded.
Responsibility in a National Context
For 46 years, Zimbabwe has experienced economic turmoil, yet this doesn’t mean truthful people have been absent. Many have died embracing the excuse that Zanu-PF was unbeatable. This cowardice-born excuse has fueled unprecedented chaos, with millions seeking opportunities abroad instead of confronting misrule at home. Many making such excuses to leave are gifted individuals who could have helped halt the decline.
Sadly, many endorse these excuses without recognizing they oppose God’s will. Eventually, the public will realize that Zimbabweans themselves, not outsiders, must confront the decay. Falsehoods crumble when truth emerges clearly. Avoiding the status quo out of fear of death is baseless, as death comes to all, whether resisting wickedness or not.
Those who die standing against injustice are safer than those who die clinging to excuses, instead of confronting the rot. We all have our own special talents, but what really counts is how we choose to use them. Trouble comes when we think the best gifts God gave us are just for ourselves and our families. The idea of living only for ourselves has never been part of God’s plan.
Three Principles for Embracing Responsibility
You can face challenges more effectively when you understand that certain excuses originate not from God, but from the adversary. This means that regarding responsibilities, it’s essential to verify all information sources rather than placing blanket blame on everyone. Of course, some people have abilities beyond ours, but the real question is how we support them while doing our part to face these challenges. Each of us bears unique responsibilities, shaped by the way God created us. Three key aspects merit attention when handling responsibilities:
1) What were you born to be in this world?
A common mistake many make is attempting to copy others instead of embracing their authentic selves. Each person needs to discover their unique purpose and focus on the roles aligned with it. We are all distinct and special in our own way. The essential question is how we utilize what we know best in life. We operate most effectively when working within our strengths, rather than settling for subordination to someone else only. Never apologize for the traits that define you, remembering that only God has authorized you to be your true self.
2) Allow others to be themselves.
If your calling involves advising—like a teacher—then become a good listener who understands what others were meant to be. They often simply need encouragement and guidance to expand upon their strengths. Consider it like a soccer coach helping shape a star player like Ronaldo—the coach may not be the best player, but excels at bringing out excellence in others. Gender should never be confused with a person’s potential. Jesus, as the ultimate guide on identity, taught that He came to liberate humanity trapped in bondage. Our physical identity has little connection to the spiritual gifts we possess.
3) Take responsibility for what’s wrong in your environment.
Noticing problems around you can reveal your capabilities. This is how David recognized that confronting Goliath was his mission. He didn’t compare himself to seasoned warriors; he simply knew his role. We are placed in circumstances for a reason, often connecting with those who understand us. If your environment falls short of your standards, that may be your invitation to step forward and create change.
A common mistake is surrounding yourself with people who maintain comfort while neglecting the responsibility to care for your own community. Being born into the group you identify with gives you a unique opportunity to make a difference. There’s no need to assign blame when you possess the power to effect positive change—blaming simply constitutes making excuses instead of addressing what needs fixing.
When attempting to solve problems, begin by understanding how they developed. If others have already made efforts, learn from their approaches and determine how to support or build upon them. Take lessons from those who preceded you, then bring your own ideas to life. The learning process may involve awkward moments, but maintain focus on principles rather than ego. Every setback represents experience gained—remind yourself you’re progressing in the right direction.
The only thing that resists responsibility is the physical body, which eventually wears out and leaves problems behind. What you choose not to deal with now, through your physical actions, will still be waiting for you later in your next life. Don’t let a temporary body dictate terms—treat it as a tool to utilize fully while you can. This isn’t about compelling others to fix things, but about doing everything possible yourself to contribute where helpful.
Let your presence inspire even those who believe the world is already perfect, so they remember you fondly long after you’re gone. A life well-lived leaves people grateful you were part of it, rather than one spent endlessly pursuing personal comfort. Many who end up as criminals, sex workers, or drug addicts may appear focused on their own ease, but these paths often stem from insufficient guidance in living responsibly. The existence of such irresponsible people indicates that someone has neglected their duty to address these societal issues. In such cases, ignorance bears more responsibility than the individuals themselves.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, relieving those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
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