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Aug 31, 2023 06:00am

If Only: Living with Regret

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“I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.”
Luke 15:18 (MSG)

Regret

Perhaps the saddest of phrases to utter is… “If only”. A safe bet is that we’ve all found ourselves broken and splattered with the waste of our own poor decisions. Slopping around in a pig sty guarantees we all get muddier. Look over your shoulder. Any words or actions you might want to rescind? Ask the Prodigal Son. I’ve heard it said that we all know one, or have been one, or are waiting for one to literally come home. If not…simply wait.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Dr. Tony Evans states, “The Father did not run toward him, until the Prodigal Son turned from his sin and headed home.” Where are we headed these days? What far countries have we found ourselves needing deliverance from? Are we willing to leave our toxic refuse and repent, or do we want to park close by and visit often? Yes, we are all prone to wander. We look for acceptance, affirmation, and compassion in the most unlikely of sources…in the created, not the Creator! It’s important that we recognize the spiritual, heart issue of seeking autonomy and self-rule as a cesspool to avoid.

Return Home

Defaulting to the dirt perspective instead of running toward the eternal “Welcome Home” banner with repentance and restoration is known for producing monumental “if only-s”. True confession results in an elaborate celebration!

“In the same way I tell you there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Luke 15:10 (NIV)

So, don’t tarry…head toward home, muddy feet and all! Grace and mercy are waiting and no regrets guaranteed.