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A few years ago my family was on vacation in Northern Wisconsin. We were only about an hour from the upper peninsula of Michigan; a place neither my wife or I had ever been. We talked at great length about whether or not we should make the drive up there one day. With limited time, resources, and an infant with us; we chose not to go. Ever since then we have regretted that decision. That was the last time we were close to the U.P., and we are unsure when (or if) we will be in a position to make that trip again.
Luckily we learned from our mistake. Just this past week, our family was able to spend a few days on the North Shore of Lake Superior. We were only 20 miles from Grand Marais, MN, another place we have never been but have always wanted to see. Again, we found ourselves deliberating over whether or not we should make the short drive. Yes, we were short on time and had two tired little ones. However, with the bitter taste of regret from our previous trip still in our mouth we decided to load up the van and make the drive. Now that we are back, we are glad we did. No Regrets this time.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if our lives would be free from regrets? Wouldn't it be wonderful to reach the end of our life and have no “wish I would have” thoughts? Impossible? Not really. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in Acts 20:25-27
“Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God."
Paul was leaving Ephesus for good, and would never see the Ephesians again. Instead of tearful goodbye's and regret laden speeches, Paul simply says "I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God."
Paul could leave Ephesus with a clear conscience, because he did not hesitate to share Christ with them. According to Acts 19:10 he spend over two years with them. Yet he did not simply live, work, and enjoy their friendship. No. Paul used his time carefully sharing Christ, pleading with them to believe, teaching them God’s Word, and training them to be leaders when he left.
If some did not believe, it was not his fault. If some fell away, he was not responsible. For he had made the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5-6), sharing the good news of Christ.
Do you have regrets? What if your neighbor, friend, or loved one passed away tonight? Do they know Christ? Would you have a clear conscience? Or would you wish for one more chance to share Christ with them? We are not responsible or burdened with someone’s response to the Gospel, but we are given the task to share Christ.
Don't wait until it's too late. Make a “bucket list.” Not of things you want to see or do before you die, but of people you want to make sure you will see when you die.
The Upper Peninsula will always be there - however our friends and family may not.
Labels: Acts 19:10, Acts 20:25-27, Bucket List, Christ, Colossians 4:5-6, Death, Devotions, Evangelism, Family, Regrets, Vacation
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