by Victor M. Eskew

There are many things that people COULD do, but they DON’T do.

1. I could attend Bible classes, but I don’t.

2. I could study my Bible, but I don’t.

3. I could be there for Sunday night services, but I don’t.

4. I could give more, but I don’t.

5. I could visit the hospitals and nursing homes, but I don’t.

6. I could use more of my talents for the Lord, but I don’t.

7. I could be involved in more works of the church, but I don’t.

8. I could seek lost souls, but I don’t.

9. I could be more holy in my life, but I don’t.

10. I could pray more, but I don’t.

11. I could be a better example for others, but I don’t.

12. I could love others more, but I don’t.

13. I could forgive someone who hurt me, but I don’t.

14. I could be more like Jesus, but I don’t.

15. I could be a much better member of the church, but I don’t.

The words, “could” and “don’t,” are very telling.

COULD shows that one has the ability to do something.

DON’T means that the individual is not willing to do what he is capable of doing.

We often ask: “Why don’t you?”

NOTE: The Lord is not concerned about the why.

Most of the time is it just a piddly excuse.

Regardless of the why, they still don’t.

Don’t indicates inaction.

Two verses come to mind.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your ownselves” (James 1:22).

“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Luke 12:43).

We need to change: “I could, but I don’t” to “I could, and I will.”