Ephesians 2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

The conversation was lively and animated among cups of strong hot coffee. Bibles were scattered across black clothed tables, pens scribbled quickly across crisp white paper. It was a special morning where the women of our bible study were gathered to not partake in a study, but learn of different tools and resources available to actually study the bible.

After the tables were cleared away and the last woman had made her way out of the doors, I stood with a friend and chatted about how pleased I was that such a large turnout. So many women had set aside their precious time to gather and learn more about a most vital lifeline: studying the inspired Word of God. Bearing witness to many souls as hungry as mine was greatly encouraging.

Planted halfway through our conversation, my friend popped in a most amusing quip. She asked, “How big is your but?”

It took me a moment to register her comment and replied, “Pardon? My?… Oh, Oh! That’s funny!”

How big is your but?

I should spend more time, but…
I would like to offer my help, but…
I know I could, but…

How big is your but?

After returning home in the afternoon, I began cleaning up the messiness from the mornings busyness. My eyes kept looking at the edge of the sticky kitchen counter where a few boxes of cookie mix awaited my attention. I had purchased the dry mix to prepare cookies for my daughter’s class figuring a dry mix would ease some of the burden. It would have been better to prepare healthier homemade batter but, with a few other responsibilities upon my shoulders this day, I made the choice to buy the mix.

I pulled out the other ingredients required for the cookies and began the process of adding them together in my mixer. As I watched the soft gooey dough roll over the beater I thought to myself, “I want to be the mom who brings the classroom treats to school, but I just don’t want to do the baking.”

And there was my big but.

We want the glory, but sometimes we don’t want to do the work. We want the recognition of a job well done, but sometimes we are not willing to be submissive to the calling. Sometimes these big buts of ours have a way of allowing false humility to creep into the crevices of our hungry souls.

I am reminded that The Lord does not saunter any big buts around when I come to Him in prayer and petition for the needs and burdens that lay heavy upon my heart. No, He does not rest leisurely upon His righteous throne allowing buts to become excuses.

I should spend more time, but…
I would like to offer my help, but…
I know I could, but…

On the day I am glorified and stand before the throne of God, looking back at all I did with my life, there will be no buts allowed.

Father, may we always- continually- be reminded that there are no excuses for not fulfilling what you have required of us for you a just and worthy of our worship. Infill us with your Spirit to complete the good works you have prepared for us to do. Amen.

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