“We can only learn from mistakes, by identifying them, determining their source, and correcting them… people learn more from their own mistakes than from the successes of others. — Russell L. Ackoff
A week ago, a young lady, being totally transparent for the sake of others, shared with the congregation about how a mistake caused her to lose her job. Now, finding herself in a job search, she is gaining related knowledge from attending outside session intended to not only help individuals in the job search, but also to provide guidance on career decisions and to keep participants motivated.
The young lady, fully composed, and full of hope for the future went further to share a comment made by one of the career counselors. He said, “Mistakes are a way of learning.” I’ve been thinking about that statement for a week and finally decided to find a formal quote with the similar message. Hence, that is what you just read in place of an opening scripture. You can apply that quote to many areas of life, beyond the world of work.
For instance, as Christians, we must see this quote above as applicable to our lives, especially considering that the Lord expects us to learn from our mistakes and after confessing, repenting, and being cleansed by His merciful favor, He wants us to not only strive for “better,” learning from our mistakes, but He desires that we avoid making the same mistakes again.
Now, looking at the positive side of mistakes from a biblical perspective, take the prudent and profound advice that Jesus gave the woman in the passage below. Have a super Saturday, and do not forget where you are to be on Sunday. Where are you supposed to be? You know! You are to be in the assembly of the saints! Be blessed!
“Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11 New Living Translation)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King