June 5th-7th the men of Mars Hill West Seattle are advancing into the woods for a weekend of sharpening, fellowship and fun. Yet, ever since the Garden where we see Adam offering up an excuse to God for his own sinful behavior (Gen 3:12), men have been proficient with excuses. In fact, excuses only exist in a fallen world. Excuses are powerful because they defend our idols and that which we most cherish. Therefore, for your convenience, I have compiled the top ten excuses provided by West Seattle men for not attending this year’s Men’s Advance, along with why they’re lame. Allow the Holy Spirit to dismantle your excuses.

#10 “I need good sleep.” (aka “I snore”, “I’m grumpy without rest”, etc).

Why it’s lame: First, its just lame. Second, lack of sleep is good training to be a dad. Third, you can bring a tent and camp outside. One guy is actually parking his RV in the parking lot to ensure a good night of rest.

#9 “I have to work,” “I’m busy,” “I’m pruning my hedges that weekend.”

Why its lame: At first this sounds like a good excuse because men are supposed to work hard, provide for their families and generally get things done. It is good to work. However, often using good things as excuses is the most effective strategy, which is certainly the case here. First, you can work the rest of the year as the Advance only happens once. Second, you can ask for it off, work extra hours in advance, plan ahead, etc. Third, prayerfully ask God to make it happen so that you can attend.

#8 “I don’t have any money.”

Why its lame: At first, this also seems like a good excuse because it does cost $100 for the weekend. However, there are other men and families that have stepped up to sponsor men that are short on cash. All we ask is that you consider what Jesus is calling you to contribute in faith and we’ll take care of the rest. Email alan@marshillchurch.org if you would like to sponsor a guy or if you need some financial help. Don’t let your pride stop you.

#7 “I’m a vegetarian.”

Why its lame: First, I’m sorry because God make cows out of steak for a reason. Second, the camp does provide vegetarian options though we will make an effort to convert you to meat-
eating over the weekend. You can indicate your meal preference on the registration form.

#6 “I don’t know anyone.”

Why its lame: First, that’s lame because that’s one of the purposes of the Advance – for men of West Seattle to get to know one another. Therefore this should be reason for going, not an excuse for staying home.

#5 “I don’t have a way to get there.”

Why its lame: Ask the men in your community group for a ride or email alan@marshillchurch.org and we’ll get you hooked up. Done.

#4 “I never heard how to register.”

Why its lame: Here you go.

#3 “I’m too young/old.”

Why its lame: If you’re under 10 years old, this is a good excuse. For everyone else this is a great time to not only be poured into but also to pour into others of all ages, life stages, and backgrounds. If this is your excuse, this is lame because you’re saying life is all about you. Maybe God wants to use your specific background, gifting and life experience in the lives of others.

#2 “I’ve been before.”

Why its lame: This is lame because you haven’t been before. This is the first Advance for only the men of West Seattle and all Advances are different in content and form.

#1 “The Mariners are playing that weekend.”

Why its lame: This is the lamest. The M’s are indeed playing at home that weekend. However, the M’s are under .500 and they’re playing Minnesota who is also under .500 which means it likely won’t be the most lively ball game(s). Second, there are 160+ baseball games in a season so it won’t hurt to miss one.

All that being said, we can all create any number of excuses for not going but it all comes down to why we don’t want to go. We are coming up on our third year as a campus and it’s time for the men of West Seattle to truly own the mission, follow Jesus and consider the legacy he is calling us to leave. My hope is that this Advance plays a role in that as we follow Jesus, Lord willing, into the year and decades that lie ahead.

For the King and the Kingdom,
Pastor Adam