If only . . .

What a sad pair of words they are - “If only...”. Often expressed as a matter of ‘fact’, they really express an attitude. It can be an attitude about the past, expressing regret about some-thing that did or did not happen. It can also express an attitude about the future - an attitude of not being able to progress in the here-and-now until some perceived future “need” has been met.

Both attitudes run counter to the Bible’s teaching. Our failings and omissions of the past are covered, dead, buried and forgiven through Christ. In the present we are called to live by faith, not worrying about tomorrow (Mt.6:25-34). We are called to be good stewards of what we do have, even though we are all given different talents, opportunities and challenges (obstacles?). When we are good stewards in the use of the talents we do have (instead of whingeing about what we don’t have), then we will be blessed with further talents, opportunities and challenges (Mt.25:15-29).

If we find ourselves with an “If only” attitude about the future, then we are either calling God a liar (in not providing everything for our immediate needs and progress), or we are trying to go in a direction contrary to God’s will. The corollary of the later is the looking for ‘doors opening’ in discerning God’s will - the things that God provides are pointers to the way He wants us to go.

“Do not neglect your gift .... Be diligent in these matters” (1 Tim.4:14-15)

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