If, as Christians, we are actively involved in working in the Lord’s vineyard, we are inevitably going to hear people give “just an excuse” for not obeying the Gospel, coming to worship, personal evangelism, etc.  Jesus showed this with these words, “And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come”  (Luke 14:18-20).  Sometimes, we may even allow such statements have a negative impact on our outlook and zeal in working for the King.  However, we also have words of encouragement from Paul the apostle, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”  (1 Corinthians 15:58).  Let’s not get down on ourselves when these things happen, but be assured we have done our duty.
     However, it could be a real concern.  When someone gives a reason for not doing this or that toward being obedient to God, it may be that they are not just giving an excuse.  They could have real concerns, fears, anxieties, or other feelings holding them back from what they know is right.  When the rich young ruler came to Jesus to inquire of salvation, he said that he had kept the commandments from youth and then asked, “what lack I yet?”  He may or may not have known fully the thing that was holding him back from following Christ, but he did act as if he knew something was wrong.  Jesus helped him with the problem and said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me”  (Matthew 19:21).   That the young man went away sorrowful shows that he loved his possessions.  This was a real concern for him and something he would have to overcome before he could follow Jesus.  The same is true today that many people have real concerns which are holding them back from following Christ.  Someone may say, “I don’t know if I can live the Christian life.”  Another may say, “That will mean my father and mother are lost.”  Even though these “excuses/reasons” (whatever you want to call them) will not be accepted at Heaven’s gate, they are still things we need to help people overcome and not simply write them off as hopeless cases.
     But they made light of it.  When people do allow us to see their real feelings and concerns about these things, we need to keep in mind what a great privilege has been handed to us.  We can do much harm at that time if we make light of it.  Paul stated, “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved”  (1 Corinthians 10:33).  He was not saying that he compromised the Gospel of Christ, but that he tried to sympathize with the positions that people were in so he could help them overcome their problems.  Many, however, offend and alienate those whom they are trying to convert by making light of their true concerns.  By doing this we could for ever drive them away from the loving God.  Who do you think is going to answer for this?
     Give people the benefit of the doubt.  As a people in large, we (society) have quite giving people the benefit of the doubt.  We are suspicious and untrusting of people on all sides and this attitude has spilled over into the Lord’s work.  To overcome this plague there are a couple of things we can do.  (1) Try to understand why they say what they do.  We need to put ourselves in their shoes and walk a mile so we can understand where they are coming from.  We cannot do this without getting to know the person and becoming a friend.  If someone shows a real concern that is keeping them from following Christ, we need to try to understand why they have it.  (2) Try to help them overcome this concern or fear (or whatever it is).  The rich young ruler needed told a solution to his problem.  Many times, a person may know the solution, but needs someone else to help them accept the solution and make some action.  You can be that person.
     We can be one of two kinds of people.  Don’t be a bridge burner.  Be a bridge builder.