No Regrets

Yesterday’s sermon gave me a strong reminder to watch out for making excuses that started out with “If only . . . .” such as, “If this had not happened, then I would . . . usually be a better or do better things.” Regret must be one of the saddest words regarding the things left out of life, or mistakes made, or even events out of my control.

The message was clear: do not use those regrets as an excuse for not moving forward, doing better, living as I should right now. I’m getting a lot of that these days. A TV show featured a clip about a man born with no limbs. By the grace of God, he praised Jesus Christ for his fulfilled hope to be coach for a football team. He was discouraged at times but kept on pushing toward his goals.

This morning’s devotional reminds me again about living with no regrets . . .

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16–17)

What does Paul mean that he is not ashamed? My Bible dictionary says it is to feel shame for something, adding that this term can include guilt, embarrassment or remorse. The rest of Paul’s explanation gives his reasons for not being ashamed; he focuses on the power of God and how faith is revealed and lived out in the lives of those who believe Him. Why would anyone ever feel shame about that?

I’m thinking proud people have this problem. Believing the Gospel means also being convinced of my utter sinfulness. I’m guilty, embarrassed and remorseful over my sin yet pride tries to make me feel otherwise and make excuses for it, such as those that start with “If only . . . .”

Instead of excuses or trying to find reasons why I’m not the godly person I’d like to project, I should boast that I live by faith, that I have the righteousness of Jesus Christ that comes through faith. Even though I have sinned, God has forgiven me and continues to work in me His redeeming grace. He gives peace over those regrets. He gives humility instead of guilt or shame, embarrassment or remorse.

Humility is not about focusing on the dumb, foolish, sinful stuff; it is not focusing on me but thinking about the Lord Jesus Christ and relying on His grace. He gave me Himself so I can focus on others, pray and care for them and meet their needs. Paul called himself the “chief of sinners” yet his focus was first on Jesus and then on the people God brought into his life.

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Lord, You also remind me that my slides into regret and shame are just another way to put ME in the center. If I cannot find any good stuff, focusing on the junk keeps me from humility and being unselfish. This battle between Spirit and flesh rages on. Thank You for the grace to recognize it and the promise that You will win all wars. Fill me with Your Spirit that I might praise Your goodness all day long.

Today’s thankful list . . .

The power of the God shown in salvation’s amazing plan.

Grace to believe Him.

Faith to live in His will.

The energy to finish a long to-do list.

A lovely summer day.

A handful of Roma tomatoes off our one tomato plant.

Grilled cheese sandwiches.

Fresh baked bread.

Clean clothes.

Confession is never easy . . .

A friend once asked me, “What is the big deal about the gospel? Why do people struggle over Jesus dying for the sin of the world?”

I asked, “What about your sin?” He paused for a few moments, then said, “I see what you mean.”

The Bible teaches the facts of what Jesus did, facts that had been disputed for decades, but there is almost no argument now that this really happened just as the Bible says:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures . . .”  (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)

While some would say the resurrection is a myth, far more people struggle with the part that says, “Christ died for our sins.” Jesus explained the reason for this right after the good news of John 3:16:

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” (John 3:17–20)

Personally, I’m not particularly fond of having my sin exposed either. Pride and wanting to be well-thought of easily stands in the way of honest confession. However, learning the folly of sin and how it ruins my life, friendships, and relationship with God gives confession the edge.

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

As my friend experienced, personal confession doesn’t have much appeal up front, but the more I walk with Jesus, the easier it becomes. The reason? Hanging on to sin messes with fellowship with Him and with other Christians. Being close to Jesus involves a contrite heart, humility, and most of all, honesty. Trying to conceal the junk that runs contrary to holiness ruins all of that and all of that has become far too precious to ruin. Paul wrote:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16–17)

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Jesus, forgive me for the times that I have tried to conceal from You the awfulness of my sin. You are so gracious to forgive and cleanse me that my reluctance makes no sense. Sometimes, sin needs to be confessed to others and that might be more difficult because not everyone is merciful and gracious like You. However, You have taught me the importance of keeping short accounts with You and with anyone I sin against is a vital part of the gospel. Admitting my sin is the only access to Your power for salvation from sin, and a major part of living by faith. 

Sharing good news

If ten people were asked the purpose of the church, there could be ten different answers, yet many will agree that the Body of Christ is to share the good news. My hubby like this quote: “At all times, preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words.”

Today’s devotional reading says that “the singular method of biblical evangelism is gospel preaching. When our Lord told us to go into all the world, he did not tell us to entertain the world, to change the world, to provide counseling for the world, to educate the world or to get control of political offices so that we could rule the world.”

Instead, Jesus said . . .

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15–16)

(Just to confirm, the rest of the New Testament is clear that baptism saves no one, but it is first step of obedience to the Lord and therefore a declaration that the person being baptized has been saved.)

Most people begin a letter with Dear . . . but Paul was so intent on preaching the Gospel that he began many of his letters/epistles by declaring or including elements of this grand truth. For example . . .

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:1–7)

Paul commended the church at Rome because they were fulfilling their purpose. He said, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.” (Romans 1:8) Very soon into his letter, he explained his own reason for proclaiming his faith . . .

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16–17)

Living by faith means talking about the One that I trust, yet also living in such a way that faith is demonstrated. That is, if troubles and trials come, faith keeps me from falling apart. How could I claim to believe in a sovereign God who has good purpose for my life if all may actions failed to affirm it?

Yet the Gospel message is not about me and the way I live. It is about the amazing life and death and resurrection of the Lord, of Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Corinthians 1:30–2:5).

I love the quote in the devotional from Rowland Hill. He said, “Any message which does not contain the three ‘R’s’ [Ruin by the Fall, Redemption by the blood, and Regeneration by the Holy Spirit] ought never to have been preached.”

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Jesus, You have given me a task to declare the good news, the Gospel, in a simple, clear way. I like those three ‘R’s’ that underscore the fact that God saves sinners through the merits of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. You are blessed. Grant me grace and wisdom as I share with others all that You have done!