Don't Let Mistakes Define You!

"To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future."  - Plutarch

I must admit that I am guilty of having made some pretty good blunders in my time. But, it’s safe to assume that everyone stumbles from time to time. After all, "we're only human," as they say.

Now, taking this “only human” factor into consideration, it’s also comforting to know, that some of the better known saints in the Bible were prone to make mistakes just like the rest of us.

In 2 Samuel 11:1-4, David, who had often led his army into battle, chose to stay behind in Jerusalem; sending his general Joab to fight with the Ammonites in Rabbah instead. 

Without going into specifics, perhaps David simply thought his services were not as vital for this particular conflict. Besides, the enemy was already primed for the taking, and he probably felt Joab was more than capable of handling it.

When being an "active" warrior and leader, David was in essence doing the Lord's work. Taking it easy wasn't part of the plan. Consequently, his idleness then set the stage for Bathsheba, and his subsequent fall (Ecclesiastes 10:18).

Yes, this was an unfortunate blunder on David's part, but he wasn't the only one who stumbled in Scripture. There were others who committed missteps that affected not only their lives, but those who were around them, as well.

Below are some of these Bible characters whose bad judgment proved costly in terms of discipline and suffering:

• Solomon’s carnality in 1 Kings 11:1-6
• Miriam’s covetousness in Numbers 12:1-10
• Peter’s pride in Luke 22:33-34
• King Hezekiah’s egotism in Isaiah 39:1-8

Thankfully, if we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, God no longer “punishes” us for our sin,  Why? Since Jesus already accepted that punishment upon Himself, we can expect "forgiveness" from Him.

Even so, God does “discipline” us for our sin (as seen in the Bible). Look, God knows we're going to make mistakes. But, He doesn't want us to beat ourselves up over them, either. 

Instead, He desires that we learn from them, then use our experiences to lift up and advance the Kingdom. This encouragement is succinctly set forth to us in Philippians 3:13-14 and Isaiah 43:18.

In closing, I've included some inspirational thoughts for you to ponder regarding our discussion here. Remember:

1. God uses mistakes to correct us, not neglect us. (Proverbs 20:30)

2. God uses mistakes to refine us, not define us. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

3. God uses mistakes to protect us, not reject us. (Genesis 50:20)

Scripture: Psalm 37:23-24; Proverbs 28:13-14; Lamentations 3:22-25; Galatians 3:24-27; Hebrews 4:15

Prayer: "Holy Father, I confess that I've made mistakes in life, and am not able to correct or change the consequences of my actions. Therefore, I ask You for forgiveness, and to help me move forward with You today."

God bless you!

Mary