Those pesky Sorry Buts?

Note of Clarification The following 'deep thoughts' are about the little word 'BUT' is not to be confused with the word 'BUTT' (aka bottom) which always makes Minions laugh. End of Clarification

I recently read a quote by Tim Keller on Twitter.. 'Repentance is crucial for renewal and restoration', and full disclosure honesty is required for true repentance.

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Very true, BUT it is often easier to say "I am sorry, BUT.." then insert my favorite excuse/rationalization of what I am supposedly sorry for.    Here a few I am sorry BUTs.

1. I am sorry I lost my temper, BUT that jerk in the car next too me honked his horn at me while I was texting my mom.  He had it coming when I flipped him off and shared my four letter vocabulary.
2. I am sorry I am 15 minutes late to work today, BUT the coffee line was long at the Starbucks drive through window.
3. Yes Mr. Bill collector, technically speaking I did not pay my electric bill on time, BUT I thought my wife took care of it.  She said she would.
4. I know those two donuts were not on my diet BUT I did not want them to go to waste. {so they went to my waist}
5. I want to give more to the church, BUT I just purchased a new I-Phone 50! and a new 120" HD TV to follow Joel Osteen on.
6. Yes officer I know you stopped me for speeding, BUT I think my speedometer is not working right.. maybe it needs calibration or something.​

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These are just a few 'sorry buts' there are plenty more to share but I will stop there.  Instead of making more excuses I could just simply again repeat the Man Prayer from Red Green.. "I'm a man, I can do better, if I have to,  AMEN."   Hmmm I find I could pray that prayer almost every day.

Of course in contrast the Woman's Prayer is a bit more passionate and focused.

But back to Tim Keller's words of wisdom. 'Repentance is crucial for renewal and restoration', and full disclosure honesty is required for true repentance.  Not much wiggle room for any sorry buts.  

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BUT.. Hey I am a pretty good guy.  I go to church, love my wife and stay out of trouble. 

​But who am I fooling?  Not God. He knows my secret doubts, rage, anxiety, envy, and other more quiet rebellions against what I know is right in my heart. I have too often compromised time, resources, and talents that were truly a gift from God. 

This being said I still am a pretty God guy.. REALLY!.. but a little more full disclosure honesty is needed before I can be removed from this Secret Society of the 'Sorry Buts'.  Mark me as a work in progress.

What would be possible if we all were truly repentant and inspired by the love of God?  It could be a revival in this fallen world like it has never seen.

May God bless each of you on your spiritual journey, where you are blessed and used by God in ways that are beyond your dreams.

Jeff (no buts about it) Larson

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