NO REGRETS

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 I think it is safe to say that we all live with some sort of regret. We are human after all. For instance, we all probably have some things in our lives that we wish we would or wouldn't have done. Just the other day, I had someone tell me about sitting down and devouring an entire bag of potato chips and dip. They were left with feelings of regret. I've heard tinges of regret in the conversations of those who have lost a loved one all too soon. The things they wished they have done, said, or not said - if only given another opportunity. Maybe we even regret purchases we've made or some other choices.

The truth is, we go about our days somewhat nonchalantly at times, never stopping to take into account the effects of our actions and how they might possibly affect or infect both ourselves and others. (That's a lot of "fects", I know. They all apply though. Let me make it a bit clearer.)

The effects of our careless words and actions, missed opportunities, poor choices, broken relationships - REGRET - can cause negative or painful memories which can affect our spiritual, physical and emotional states. These effects affect our lives as well as the lives of others and can result in a heart deeply infected with bitterness.

There is much to be said about living with regret. However, for the sake of keeping this post from getting too lengthy. I challenge us all, me included, to make the most of every moment, to guard our words and actions, and to make wise choices to be intentional each day we live. Regret is like a tiny worm that gets into the apple and slowly eats away until the apple is completely destroyed within. Doesn't that sound familiar? 

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." John 10:10

Regret is a tool of the enemy and it keeps us from being all we can be for the Lord. It hinders us from fulfilling our purpose by holding us captive as we continue to hold on to the past. It will slowly eat away at an individual until there's nothing left but a shell of what used to be. It doesn't have to be that way though! The rest of that verse says:

"...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Sure, we all make mistakes and if we haven't made one yet today, we probably aren't far from it. However, I've found a method of attack for my own bouts with regret-itis that I want to share with you. It's found in I Corinthians 10:31:

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

Isn't that simple? If we'll do everything with this verse concreted firmly into our hearts and minds, we'll not be so easily distracted to do something we might regret later. This is good news! We are challenged in the Word of God to be intentional about EVERYTHING we do. Why? Because our every word and action will carry either a positive or negative note. 

What regrets would we salvage ourselves from if we were to be intentional about bringing God glory? What words wouldn't we say? What thoughts wouldn't we allow to entire our mind-scapes? What actions would we make an effort to bridle? What relationships would we work harder to mend or go above and beyond to make them healthy? What actions and words would we sow? I dare say we'd do some things a lot differently, wouldn't you?

Take the challenge with me today...let's call it a #NO REGRETS challenge. Share your stories, testify to the glory of God, spread positive, encouraging, uplifting seeds every chance you get. By doing so, we'll be curbing the appetites of the carnal man within, we'll be serving up the enemy a black-eye and feeding what is eternal and will last forever. 

And...last but not least, we'll make positive marks upon our world and the effects will be life changing to both ourselves and others. Let's start a NO REGRETS REVOLUTION today. Are you with me?