Use Hindsight for Foresight in 2017
Have you ever goofed really big?
Or done something stupid? Maybe you just weren’t thinking and in hindsight thought to yourself, “What was I thinking?”
That happened to me today. I decided to delve into some deep cleaning after having company over the last few weeks and doing lots of cooking. The first thing I tackled was our gas stove. When sudsy water didn’t do the trick, I grabbed the oven cleaner (to use on self-cleaning ovens). I had a twinge of wondering if it was okay to use on gas stoves, but plunged right into the project…in a hurry to check it off my “to do” list.
After spraying it here and there, avoiding the top of the gas burners, I decided to read the fine print “warnings” on the spray bottle. With the help of a magnifying glass, I dismayingly noted, “Do not use on gas ignitions.” So, now I’m wondering if I’m going to blow up the house the next time I turn on the stove; which might mean I shouldn’t cook for a while.
Seriously, I made more work for myself by not reading the fine print before delving into the project. But, I was in a hurry. I thought it would be okay. However, it really wasn’t okay.
Can you relate in any way to something you’ve done in a hurry or to a curt word or thoughtless action or decision; all because you didn’t take the time to read the fine print or approach a project or relationship in the right way?
Eyes in the back of our head, or hindsight, are valuable. I’m reminded of when one of our grandsons combed through his mother’s hair. When she asked what he was doing, he said, “Looking for the eyes in the back of your head.”
Maybe, just maybe, it would benefit us to use the eyes in the back of our head, or hindsight, as we enter a new year. Consider the following:
WHAT WILL YOU DO DIFFERENTLY in 2017
Gas stovetops can be wiped clean. Relationships often can’t be. Hurtful words can’t be. Spontaneous reactions can’t be. Financial commitments can’t always be. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t want us to be stuck in old behaviors. Rather, He wants us to learn and grow into Christ’s likeness. Our “old self” may be okay with us, but it’s not with Him. If we’re comparing ourselves to ourself, and saying, “this is who I am,” we have a serious problem with God. Jesus came to transform us.
What would our Heavenly Father like for us to do differently this year than what we did last year?
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect,” Romans 12:2.
WHAT FINE PRINT COULD BENEFIT YOU
I didn’t take the time to read the fine print on the cleaning bottle. Had I, it would have been beneficial.
The fine print in the Bible isn’t just “fine.” It’s exceptional. It’s the breath of God. It’s our “Prevention Guide.” It’s our “Blessing Guide.” It’s our “Life Guide.” It’s our “Relationship Guide.” It’s our “Health Guide.” It’s our “Emotional Guide.” It’s our “Spiritual Guide.” It’s our “Financial Guide.” And….so much more.
Reading the Bible every day will take us from being spiritually ignorant and blind to being more spiritually astute in every area of our life. Reading the fine, exceptional, holy print matures us and gives us spiritually keen vision for today and tomorrow.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple,” Proverbs 19:7.
Hindsight – what will we do differently this year than what we did last year? Foresight – will we read God’s Bible, the finest print in the world, and benefit from it as our Father desires?
Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us the ability to look back and evaluate; to see what we can do differently, more wisely, in accordance with Your will. Thank You for Your Word, the finest print we can read and that will transform us to walk wisely in Your will.
SIDEBAR:
WHO: You’re INVITED!
WHAT: Prayer Journaling Workshop led by Debbie Williams
WHEN: Tuesday, January 10, 12-1 pm
WHERE: Hill Country Ministries, 1127 E Main Street, 1st floor conference room
WHY: Prayer if our communication life line to our Heavenly Father. Come and discover the benefits and blessings of journaling your prayers and recording God’s blessings.
HOW: Email hillcountryministries@gmail.com or call 830.257.5995 to let us know you’re coming. Prayer Journals available at the workshop.
Endorsed by Beth Moore: “We cannot carry all the burdens of the world, but we can carry the ones God places in our lives. The unique column format in ‘Prayers of My Heart’ prayer journal gives us a way to sort out those burdens and take them to the Lord. I love this approach to daily prayer.”