Those Pesky 'Sorry-Buts' (rr)

Note of Clarification 
The following blog commentary is about the little word 'BUT' ..but.. it is not to be confused with the word 'BUTT' (aka bottom.. aka buttocks, ) which always makes Minions laugh. 

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.

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 are a few I am sorry BUTs.

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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. .. I want them to go 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 maybe needs calibration or something.​

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Next let me share a couple gender specific 'sorry but' prayers.

1. As a man I can simply repeat the Man Prayer from Red Green.. "sorry I'm a man (and a slob),  but..  I can do better, if I have to,  AMEN."   
2. In contrast the Woman's Prayer tends to be more compassionate.. or maybe just passionate, as she concludes "sorry I am so upset.. but.. he is driving her nuts! JUST LOOK AT HIM!"

(see cartoon on the right)

Hmmm, maybe we should raise the bar and strive to do better than either of the above man, or woman's prayers.

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​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.  

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, mumbled profanities, 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 does not include bigger sins (ie alcohol) that almost killed me. For all these and more I am sorry.. no buts.

Mark me down 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 this fallen world needs.. like.. NOW!

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.  My our hearts be repentant, and open to receive the promise of God's Grace.

Jeff (no buts about it) Larson

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