In hindsight, everything is clearer. When reassessing a game, sports commentators often point back to a key poor play or call that made the difference in the final score. However, everyone knows it is hard to always make perfect decisions in the heat of the battle. Hindsight is closer to 20/20 vision.
Life is the same way. Looking in retrospect, we all have at least had such thoughts as, “I wish I would have taken more risks, or been a better listener.” Our bias or interpretation of the immediate situation captivates our mind instead of how this decision will shape my future. Jesus said… what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? (Mark 8:36, NLT2).
“I just want to have fun.” If I heard it once, I have heard it a thousand times. Typically, it comes out of the mouth of a young person, but it certainly is not limited to that age group. It has become the byword of our current culture—even our worldview. Comfort, luxury, and pleasure have become core values rather than pride in one’s work, being a team player or helping another person. We see this in employment data, assessments of educators, supervisors, coaches, even bankers. I do not intend for this to sound condescending. It is only an assessment of reality. Not until we see reality clearly are we able to make healthy, prudent, and fruitful decisions for our tomorrow.
If I repeatedly ask and answer the question enough times, “why do I want to…?”, I can uncover what is motivating my desire. Usually, I find the root issue is not about helping someone; rather, it comes from a self-serving desire within me. It may be a desire for recognition, fun or gratification of some sort, power, fear, materialism or such traits. There is nothing inherently wrong with those—until they become more important to you than your passion for a close relationship with God. I have found this statement the Spirit inspired Paul to write to be very profound insight. “Everything is permissible for me”–but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”–but I will not be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12, NIV). I have a sandbox full of emotions, fantasies, memories hidden within that master my decisions far more than I like. About the time I think I have overcome one master, something else within me takes its place. It is like trying to get gravel out of my garden. Another stone seems to appear as soon as I remove those I can see.
The most incredible benefit of becoming free from anything (fear, lust, greed, etc.) controlling me is the deep sense of closeness to God which brings an indescribable peace, gratitude, wonderful sense of well-being (which I think of as genuine joy), confidence and significance. Paul described it this way. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ Philippians 3:8 (NLT2)
Thanks to God, I have experienced far more satisfaction, confidence, and significance than ever in my life. I believe I am now experiencing more of the abundant life Jesus spoke about. I also believe the most abundant life is yet to come. Looking in my rearview mirror too long would lead to wrecking the blessed life I now enjoy. I share these thoughts only because I believe you also want to enjoy the gratifying life I am enjoying today.