What's My Excuse?

     My friend Sheila called today to share the highlights of her recent island vacation. We talked about the struggle to be content in the present and not get caught up in worldly desires. She said they saw these amazing homes with yachts docked out front and then the local people that were so friendly and godly, but had little of monetary value. She wondered if the rich people were giving back with all their financial abundance. I told her the one thing that God won't be concerned with, when we go to the judgment seat of Christ, is what "the other guy did" whether with his life or his money. God will only want to know what each individual did with what He gave them.
     As a middle school teacher for over 35 years my husband had heard every excuse in the proverbial "book." So his response to the students' complaints or excuses always started with one of the following comments: regardless or never-the-less. In other words, there is no excuse. It's really quite a relief when I think about it, that I'm not responsible for the actions or deeds of others, but then what is my excuse for inaction? I get one today, "regardless...never-the-less," what difference did I make in this day for the glory of God and the good of mankind?

A harbor in Monaco, a place where you can only live after they approve your residency,

 based upon your bank account. 

^{Ecclesiastes 5:19} Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.