King Rehoboam consulted the older men who had served as his father Solomon’s advisors. "What answer do you advise me to give these people?" he asked.

They replied, "If you want to serve this people well, give a favorable answer to their request, and they will always serve you loyally."

But he ignored the advice of the older men and went instead to the young men who had grown up with him and who were now his advisors. "What do you advise me to do?" he asked. "What shall I say to the people who are asking me to make their burdens light?"

They replied, "This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!’ Tell them, ‘My father placed heavy burdens on you; I will make them even heavier. He beat you with whips; I’ll flog you with bullwhips!’"

1 Kings 12:6-11

As Christians we must not blame God when we sin. We are responsible for our actions. Yet, it is reassuring to know that God understands our weaknesses and our temptations. We have to avoid rationalizing. The Bible makes no allowances for excuses.

There are no good excuses for sin.

Our Daily Bread – July 19, 2002