Is it possible to live with no regrets?
Perhaps not completely. There will probably be those few things in life that you wished you would have done differently. Decisions. Actions. Spoken words. Relationships. Airbnb's you wished you wouldn't have rented (just seeing if you're still with me). And so on. But it is possible to live in freedom, because of Jesus! It's possible to look back after, to use my example, 20 years of marriage and boldly say, "God, you have been our refuge. Thank you for your faithfulness and grace, every step of the way." Here's a simple framework that we can (should) follow: 1) Repent and turn to God The greatest regret one can have is not surrendering to the Lord Jesus Christ. The saddest thing in the world is someone dying without knowing Jesus. If you're reading this today and are not born again, God is calling you to a new life! Reach out to us if you need help understanding what this Christian life is all about. For those who are saved, repentance is still a daily practice. It's a constant turning to the Father for strength and forgiveness. Acts 3:19 "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Isaiah 55:6-7 "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon." 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 2) Fear God, not man Living in fear of man leads to a life of anxiety and compromise. This often stems from people pleasing. People-pleasing is when you prioritize making others happy or gaining their approval over being true to your convictions or doing what is right. It often involves going along with what others want, even if it goes against your own values or needs. Here's an example that's close to home, being that I'm in the HR field: If you agree to work extra hours every time your boss asks, even when you're exhausted and need rest, because you fear disappointing them or losing their approval, that's people-pleasing. This does not mean that we do not seek to live in peace with people and in such a way that we have harmony and wellbeing in our daily relationships (at work, church, in society, etc.). It means we are clear in our communication and do not compromise our faith, values, morals, and so on. Expect that some people will be bothered when they see you choosing to live this way versus bending to every request. At the end of life, I will give an account to God, not man, for all that I've done. Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." 1 Thessalonians 2:4 "On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts." Proverbs 29:25 "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." 3) Mind your own business and live a quiet life This alone would solve a lot of problems in the world. Don't be quick to meddle in the business and life of others. It doesn't mean not to be caring, loving, and even involved. But stay free from drama, envy, unforgiveness, bitterness, and gossip (I'm sure there's much more you can add to the list). 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." Proverbs 17:27-28 "The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues." 1 Timothy 2:1-2 "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 "We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat." Keep the Fire Burning, Danny Comments are closed.
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ALTARPRENEURwith Danny & Daniela Kovacs
WHYNo family is an island. Join us as we share candid discussions, Biblical advice & resources to help keep God at the center of your faith, family and career. MICROBLOGS
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