No Regrets (Spurn or Seek?)
October 22, 2010Regret – the one thing besides maybe chicken pox or any other communicable disease that no one wants. Just mention the word “regret” in any social setting and watch the faces around the room. Flickers of past regret will register in the eyes of some people; others will begin mentioning regrets or steps they are employing to avoid them. Inevitably the conversation will turn to how to live a life without regrets.
It’s interesting to listen to the litany of issues people often regret. Of course, they will say they are disappointed they didn’t spend more time with their children or spouse. Time lost is indeed a sorrowful thing. Some people mourn not experiencing certain milestones other seem to automatically enjoy such as graduating college or getting married. People regret a myriad of different things. But Proverbs 5 offers the ultimate regret. Listen to the tone of these words from verses 11-13:
“And you groan at your final end,
When your flesh and body are consumed;
And you say, “How I have hated instruction!
And my heart spurned reproof!
I have not listened to the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined my ear to instructors!”
The context of this passage is a warning to a son to heed the wisdom of a father telling the dangers of an adulteress woman. The end result could certainly apply to anyone reflecting on a life less than well spent. But notice the source of frustration – hating instruction, spurning reproof, not listening or inclining the ear to teaching about wisdom. It’s clear from Proverbs 1 the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Beginnings are important “firsts”. Did Jesus have anything to say about first things?
Actually He did. In Matthew 6:33 He tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” The words “seek” in this passage means to “continually seek” which implies that for each decision made, the next decision would also bring about the same level of searching for instruction and listening to sound advice. As we seek first the kingdom of God, all the “other things” will be added to the sum total of what life has to offer. Having God’s way first in our lives leaves very little room for regret.
The decision is simple. Spurn instruction and end your life in a mire of regret or seek the wisdom of God and end life will all things added to you. What things? Well, peace, success (maybe not the world’s definition), harmony, and satisfaction in a God-glorifying life are just a few examples.
Spurn or seek the Word of God?
How will you live and die? With regrets or with a record of seeking God’s way of life?
Looking for more words? Read Matthew 6:25-34 and think about the things your are putting first in your life today. (CT)