As I look back on my ordination to the Gospel ministry, I sense troubles ahead not just for me but for my church families. Okay, I was young. Not thirteen; though, I was twenty-six, having successfully navigated eight years of higher education beyond high school: college, Bible school, and seminary, each a tad more challenging, culminating with Princeton.

My Moody Bible Institute undergraduate sheepskin says this about me–‘…Approved Christian character and commendable zeal in practical Christian work.’ My Princeton Master of Divinity shingle, which is entirely in Latin, says that I’m of noble habit and Christian faith having studied theology well, or words to that effect. I’m quite the catch for any church, wouldn’t you agree?

Alas, not quite. I wish I could go back and redo what I did half-heartedly but now with expected confidence and trust in you-know-who. No, not in me. I tried that, and it was a big boo-boo.

Where a wrong turn was taken can be found somewhat in Acts 20: 28. Interested?–‘Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood’ (Acts 20: 28). One simple verse that if heeded puts us right back on the road where the Lord wants us. Living for Him. Devoted to others. Even for ourselves.

‘Pay careful attention to yourself’. Don’t be flighty about your relationship with Jesus. Take nothing spiritual for granted. No wishy-washy casualness about reading our Bibles. Nothing about ‘weather permitting’ or if I have some spare time with nothing good on TV.

Get serious about what He thinks of us, more than what others do. Maturely prioritize God in our lives. Why has it taken me so long to wake up and smell God’s roses? To see what was always in front of my eyes?

It’s God Himself who calls us to serve Him. Such a privilege should not be taken lightly. Get with it. Do for God. Be in His service. Walk in Jesus’ footsteps. Talk often with my Lord. Such an Einstein near the end of my life! Better late than, well, you know.

The hard part is to stop moaning about what can’t be changed, looking over my shoulder way in the past, which can only drag me down. I know Jesus has forgiven me. I’ve asked Him many times. So now, believe Him, already. Feel His cleansing goodness. And stand up, keeping busy for Him, for others! Then, there will be no regrets from now on! Or at least a lot less.

Thank you, Jesus, for second and third chances. Amen.