“Living a Life of No Regrets”
To live a life of no regrets sounds like a tall order. How many times have we said to ourselves, “I should have.. I could have… I wish I only had…” the sentences ending in any number of hopes, dreams and wishes that never came to fruition?
As I get older I can’t help but reflect on my life. I think the key word is “reflect” and not “regret”. We have to be careful not to get caught up in condemnation of regret and instead focus on the reflection of what “was” and then make an honest attempt to learn from the errors and mistakes of our past.
“Regret” is defined as
“an intelligent and/or emotional dislike for personal past acts and behaviors.
Regret is often felt when someone feels sadness, shame, embarrassment or guilt after committing an action or actions that a person later wishes that he or she had not done.”
There is nothing the enemy wants more than to bring condemnation, guilt and shame into the believer’s life. These things will hinder our spiritual growth.
To “Reflect” on the other hand is defined as
“to think quietly and calmly; to express a thought or opinion resulting from intent consideration.”
Through reflection, we learn from our mistakes, and we mature and grow in Him. We run the race that is before us (Hebrews 12:1)… with the prize in “front” of us, having learned how to overcome the obstacles of our “past”. No condemnation, not guilt, no shame, no “regrets”. Remember what Jesus said in Luke 9:62, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” I would contend that this verse is very much applicable to “Living a Life of No Regrets.” May he find us faithful!