Regrets

— For the week of January 30, 2010 —

From the errors of others, a wise man corrects his own.
— Syrus

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
— Romans 12:1

In the October 20, 1996, issue of Parade magazine, Dr. Billy Graham was asked by reporter Colin Greer, "How would you most like to be remembered?" Graham paused for a moment, then said, "That I was faithful to do what God wanted me to do. That I maintained integrity in every area of my life, and that I lived what I preached."

When asked if he had any regrets, Graham replied, "I would have spend more time with each of my children. Also, I would have studied more."

As I read his words, it occurred to me that this man, friend of presidents and preacher to more than 200 million people in live audience settings, is not really much different in his wants and regrets than most of us.

For Dr. Graham, the journey is nearing an end, but for many of us, there is time to make the changes we know we need to make.

Here are some questions to ask yourself today:

  1. How much time do I spend each day with my kids?
  2. Am I careless in matters of morality and integrity?
  3. Do I practice what I preach?
  4. Do I have any regrets?

In order to finish well and have few regrets, we must daily evaluate every aspect of our lives.

Taken from The Minister's Little Devotional Book.
Copyright © 1997 by H.B. London Jr. and Stan Toler.
Used by permission of RiverOak Publishing, Tulsa, Okla.
All rights reserved.