2
Adler Essay
Excuses
Adlerian safeguarding tendencies are quite common in many people. These methods are
often used when one’s self-esteem and self-image are in danger of being degraded, also offering
protection from anxiety and other negative feelings (Feist et al., 2021, p. 89). The most common
method of protecting oneself from a degraded self-esteem and image is the safeguarding
tendency of excuses. We have all fallen short to making excuses for doing something or not
doing something, and with this particular tendency, it allows others to view and see us as being
superior when we really are not. There are two different ways that are typical to making excuses,
including the structures “Yes, but” and “If only” (Feist et al., 2021, p.89). Both of these allow the
person to appeal to the desires of others then following this with the excuse for their actions,
attitudes, words, etc. Through making excuses, we protect ourselves from looking bad in light of
others, avoid doing something that could potentially harm our self-image and self-esteem, as
well as avoid certain responsibilities.
Example of Safeguarding in Scripture
The safeguarding tendency of excuses can definitely be seen within Scripture. In the first
chapter of Jeremiah, we see that God is calling on Jeremiah to rise up and preach to the people of
Judah the hope of forgiveness through the repentance of their sins in order to avoid the nation’s
destruction. However, in verse two, it says, “But I protested, ‘Oh no, Lord God! Look, I don’t
know how to speak since I am only a youth’” (Christian Standard Bible, 2017, Jeremiah 1:2). It
is clear that Jeremiah feels that his youth, his age is what is holding him back from being
obedient to the Lord’s calling, that He has picked the wrong guy. Jeremiah uses this excuse in an
3
attempt to avoid doing something that seems hard, feeling as though he is inadequate, lacking in
knowledge, and unprepared.
Safeguarding Tendencies in my Life
In learning about and studying safeguarding tendencies, I have become self-aware of
where and how I use safeguarding tendencies within my own life. I have recently been having a
really difficult time having the motivation to do things that I know I need to, even just my basic
responsibilities that I have and need to fulfill. For these things, I will either make excuses as to
why I feel I can not do them, or most of the time, I put distance between myself and these things,
pushing them off until I absolutely have to do them. Unfortunately, I know that it will never end
well and when I get to that point, I always wish that I would have done them before. It is really
an endless cycle, and I never seem to learn my lesson. However, I have been trying a lot harder
recently. One of the biggest areas that I see myself using safeguarding tendencies is in my walk
with the Lord. I will be the first to admit that there have been so many times where I have pushed
off reading His Word, meditating on it, studying it, and coming to Him in prayer. I use the excuse
of just being so busy and not knowing how to manage my busyness, but in reality, there are just
other things I would rather do. This realization has been so convicting and I am so thankful that I
serve a God who is personable, who does not leave even though I chase after so many other
things, who forgives me, and who loves me with His perfect and unconditional love.
Biblical Perspective on Safeguarding Tendencies
As Christians and followers of God, we know and understand that we have been put here
in this time and place for a divine purpose. We are told through Scripture that we are the salt and
light of the world, commanded to let our light shine before others, to not conform to the ways of
4
the world, but to be a living sacrifice, to go and preach the good news, to make disciples
(Matthew 5:13-16, 28:18-20; Romans 12:1-2). Thankfully, we are promised that we do not have
to do these things on our own. Going back to the story of Jeremiah, after he told God that he did
not know how to speak because of his youth, the Lord responded, “Do not say, ‘I am only a
youth,’ for you will go to everyone I send you to and speak whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid
of anyone, for I will be with you to rescue you. This is the Lord’s declaration” (Christian
Standard Bible, 2017, Jeremiah 1:7-8). It is made clear here that the Lord expects us to be
obedient to His commands, but lovingly meets us where we are, even in our safeguarding
tendencies. He tells us and reminds us that we do not have to fear for He is on our side.
