“Getting Off Track”
13 “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
“Blind and Unconcerned”
When I was much younger, I can remember not caring what other people thought, the nonsense, or the gossip going on around me. I just look back at the much younger me, not realizing this as something that was my business. I was blind in this area and unconcerned. More important things were on my mind. Things like being outside, playing wiffle ball, and fishing with my dad.
I believe it is important to know God gave me the unconcerned, this is not my business, and the blind to what goes on around me part of my life. I am sure he hoped I would remain unmoved and inattentive by this. Then teenage life happened and I started to grow up and allowed the world to influence me. Getting off track became a way of life for me which led to not learning from my mistakes. This type of life and these choices caused me to lose my way.
“Finding My Way”
I think I was supposed to live, learn, and find my way. We all get off track. Brother Scott Stevens said, “If we decide to do it our way, there’s a cost involved.” There will be regrets and those regrets will have us thinking of the “if onlys.” John 12:24-25 says, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.” (Scott Stevens)
“Is This Going to Matter in Heaven”
So next time you want to do it your way and you find yourself getting off track, remember how unpopular regrets are and if onlys are. Going through life this way comes at a higher cost. Get on track and don’t be so concerned about the nonsense going on around you. Ask yourself, “Is this going to matter in heaven?” Chase after the things that really matter. If you aren’t proud of the track you are on and you regret it, get off. Change your focus, mindset, and start rewriting your story. The one you can be proud of and of course, let God be the driver.
Counting My Blessings,
Susan Browder
https://youtu.be/6vfqYwfTqlE Blessed Assurance
Additional reading: by Patricia Cook
