Christians Learning From Past Mistakes

As we all should know (by reading and internalizing God’s, Holy Bible), we all fall short of God’s glory as we examine the New Testament and read from the Book of Romans (Romans 3:23). The apostle Paul specifically states (as inspired by God), “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NIV). It is important to point out (if we are being truly honest with ourselves) that “all” fall short; not “some”, or a “few”, but “all”; and that means (realistically so) “you”, too.

Before we can even begin to understand how we as loyal Christians can “all” learn from our “past mistakes”, we need to define the term “mistake.” According to Dictionary.com, the word “mistake” is defined as, “An error in action, calculation, opinion,  or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, insufficient knowledge, or a misunderstanding or misconception. So first, let us ask ourselves, who is the “judge?” Who has the authority and righteousness to cast the “first stone?” Jesus faced a mob that was eager to execute a woman caught in adultery. He put a stop to it with a simple challenge: anyone who has no sin in their life should step forward and throw the first stone. That sentence is often cited as a reminder to avoid judging others when there are faults in your own life that desperately need to be addressed.

“But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” John 8:7.

The painful reality is that we in our human state are fallible, sinful, and deserve nothing more than death. “For the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23. Our Lord Jesus also made clear the origin and reason for our difficulties in this life during a conversation with unbelieving people in the Book of John.

“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me” John 8:42-45.

In learning from our past mistakes, we must also determine whether or not a mistake is a sin against God. Sin, when translated, simply means, “to miss the mark”, or “to miss the point.” If the mistakes we have made were in fact sin (which can only be determined by pressing into, learning and knowing God’s Holy Bible paired with intimate prayer), then we must “repent.” Repent (Metanoia) means, “change your mind.” But still, we must be able to accurately define a “mistake.” To do so, we must turn to God for the final word. In other words, stay in prayer, and stay in His Word.

Whenever you believe you have made a mistake or committed a sin, consider the following steps towards redemption, forgiveness, and restoration:

• Determine (admit) that a mistake has been made.
• Seek forgiveness from God and anyone you have offended (intentionally, or otherwise).
• Change your heart by changing your mind (repent). Ask the Holy Spirit to protect and guide you through this process.
• Refrain from all temptation to repeat the offense, mistake, or sin. (Note: 1 Corinthians 10:13)

Upon completion of your mistake-redemption process as noted (it is a process that can take time), you must by faith know that God has not only forgiven you (through Christ), but has perfectly forgotten the transgression as we read in the Book of Psalms. God doesn’t just forgive our sin; He actually casts it away as far from us as it’s possible to be. The phrase “as far as the east is from the west” is a rhetorical description of an infinitely long distance. So if you or anyone else chooses to bring it up again, then you or they would be doing so against God’s infallible Word, His Holy Bible.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” Psalm 113:12 NIV.

All too often, we as human beings (in our “old sinful nature”) grade past mistakes on a “point system.” I defy anyone to show you where in God’s Word, our heavenly Father uses a grading scale pertaining to mistakes or sin. We know that the prophet Moses was a murderer, the patriarch Abraham was a liar, King David was both an adulterer and a murderer, Jacob, was a deceiver, and so on. Even though these individuals made human mistakes and even sinned until death in this life, God was still mightily able to use them and their past mistakes for His glory and purpose; and God is exactly the same today as He has been throughout all history as we read in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In the Book of Malachi we read, “I the LORD do not change” Malachi 3:6. Furthermore, as faithful Christians, we must believe that God loves us and uses us (mistakes and all) for His sovereign purposes (even while we remain sinners) as we read:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28.

Remember, we are NOT defined by what other people (sinners) think of us, but rather we are defined by God and His purpose for our life and His glorious kingdom. Think about it, if you allow others to define you, where will that lead you? We know that everyone has opinion, and every opinion varies from the next. So, who has “right: answers? Of all of the human opinions, who can you bet your decisions or choices upon? If you answer, “not a one”, you would be correct! Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith as we read in the Book of Hebrews:

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2.

In closing, I would also like to point out Paul’s position pertaining to “moving forward.” In Paul’s letter to Christians at Philippi and all believers (written while imprisoned in Rome), we can better understand God’s position with regard to where to place our forward focus. (When we forgive, we are instantly released from our “ball and chain.”)

 ”Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14.

As a self-judging examination, we must also be accountable for how we judge others. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ specifically said, ““And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?” (Matthew 7:3). Be careful. In order for your mistakes (sins) to be fully forgiven, you must forgive all others. Forgiving one another is the hardest thing to do and the most beneficial. As God’s chosen people we are to forgive all grievances we have between one another because of the example set forth to us by Christ.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” Colossians 3:12-14 NLT.

It is far too easy to point a finger at others, but remember when you do you point three fingers back at yourself. Let us always remember how Jesus replied to one of the teachers of the law when asked, “which commandment is the most important?” 

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” Matthew 22:37.

As always, I lovingly encourage you to read, study, and pray upon your Bible. As you do, note the great and wonderful mercy God grants His people. Be patient with those who make mistakes or even sin against you. Always hold deep in your heart how our living God is an amazing God of many chances; full of forgiveness, grace, and tender mercies. Just ask yourself, “How often has God forgiven you?”

May our gracious Lord God bless you all the days of your life,

Tony

Tony Marino
Founder, Executive Publisher
Christian Times Online
http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com

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