The document discusses how individuals often excuse their lack of commitment and rationalize their faults through self-justification, citing various biblical references. It warns that such self-deception does not alter God's judgment, which assesses one's true thoughts and intentions. Pride is identified as the root cause of these excuses, and overcoming it requires humility and an openness to others' perspectives on our behavior.

1. I Excuse Myself

2. Common Areas of Self Justification We excuse our lack of commitment and our misplaced priorities . (Luke 14:16-24, 26) We justify covetousness and materialism. (Luke 16:14-15) We rationalize blatant disobedience and rebellion. (Genesis 3:11-13; 1 Samuel 15:13-21) We deceive ours hearts into thinking that unbridled words are consistent with our religion. (James 1:26) We fool ourselves into believing that the faults we see in others are not faults in us. (Romans 12:1)

3. Our Self Justification Will Not Change the Judgment of God No matter what a man thinks about his own actions, God weighs the mind and heart (Proverbs 16:2; 21:2) God condemns those who call evil good and are wise in their own eyes. (Isaiah 5:20-23)

4. Removing the Cause of Excuse Making, Rationalization and Self-justification The primary cause is pride (Psalm 36:1-2) Pride can be overcome by just listening to what others are pointing out about our sinful behavior (Proverbs 12:15; 15:32) This will enable us to see our need for forgiveness and seek it (Proverbs 30:12)