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“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” Philippians 3:13 (ESV)

Find myself reciting these words a lot lately, “I used to…” Seems like I used to do a lot of stuff, I no longer entertain. I used to play tennis until rotator surgery sidelined me. I used to jog through my neighborhood but now I settle for the treadmill. I used to eat chips, lots of chocolate and any sweet thing in sight but now I avoid them like the plague in pursuit of healthier me. I used to ……please feel free to fill in your blank with your “I used to.” I’m sure you’ve got a few too.

Now there’s definitely some things worth giving up. Like leaving unhealthy behind and aiming for better choices. Like resisting the urge to blend in with the crowd when your crowd isn’t blending the right way. Like choosing to avoid a debate guaranteed to lead to division and opinions totally degrading one another. All great reasons to say, “I used to…but now I’ve learned a better way.” No regrets tied to things we leave behind that never served us well.

Totally convinced there’s some things on my “I used to” list that needed to stay. I used to memorize scripture but now I rationalize my choice due to my distracted mind. I used to be more compassionate, but my hectic schedule convinces me I don’t have time. I used to keep long lists of prayers I’m offering but now I rely on memory which leaves me wondering if God hears me. I used to ……Wow our list could go on and on until we eventually land on too many I used to’s.

Don’t know about you but I don’t want to land on regret because of what I no longer choose to do. I want to feed a deep passion for God’s word. I want to respond to conviction rather than dismiss His warnings. I want to leave conviction in God’s hands and resist the urge to point fingers. I want to love others more than self. I want to be changed not entertained. I want to cherish His presence. I want to live worship from deep in my heart and not just in front of the crowd. I want to accept His grace when my “used to’s” get off balanced. I want to choose well because His way is so much better than my own.

“Father, I used to keep a long record of sin but I’m learning daily to desire clean so all my choices will align with Your will. Teach us to how to avoid regret by keeping the right “used to” active in our life.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life