When I was a kid, the loser of a contest would frequently call for a “Do-Over.”  “The grass was too wet.”  “I tripped at the start."  “I wasn’t ready yet.” There were dozens of excuses, but it just seemed like a good idea to have a second chance.  By the time kids get to middle school the practice seems to pretty much die out of its own silliness.  But I think all of us have secretly longed for a second chance at things we’ve done wrong in life.  This is especially true of those colossal blunders that damage friendships and even sour marriages.  “Oh, if only I could do that over again . . .” 

Over the years I’ve had many conversations with people who have lost jobs, marriages and even their closeness to God himself because of genuine lapses in moral judgment.  Too bad we can’t just regress to fourth grade and call for a do-over.

Unfortunately, time never allows us to backtrack.  Consider those things you’ve said in the anger of the moment.  If only we could simply have a do-over and keep our mouth shut!  James wrote, “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”  Like I said, it’d be great to do-over.

As we look to the New Year, it is prudent to use the time to make changes in the way we do things, but isn’t it great that we can experience the forgiveness of God for those things that can never be taken back?  There are four major points to consider before relying upon the gift of grace.
1. You must truly trust in the forgiveness of Christ.
2. You must forgive those who have wronged you.
3. You must turn your life back to God (repent) and quit your sinning.
4. You must go back to those people you’ve wronged and start mending the paths.

As you get these issues straight you will find it far better than the juvenile “do-overs.” God loves us and has made it possible to clear up our past, but only at the extreme cost of His Son’s life.  Our lives can find the fullness and joy that we are meant to have in this coming year.  Are you moving in the positive direction to which Christ has called you?  Is there some reason for counting on childish concepts instead of growing up in Christ?  Christ has given us everything it takes to have that abundant life.  Now we must do our part.

In Christ,

Pastor Joe