These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.
(1 Corinthians 10:11)
It’s a sad fact that we learn from our mistakes. It’s a sadder fact that we sometimes don’t learn from our mistakes! We often commit the same errors time and again, either not seeing the failure, or willfully ignoring it. Why are we so hardheaded?
Psalm 32:9 tells us “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” Why must we be compelled to do what is right? It would be so much easier if things just worked the way God intended and we didn’t mess them up!
But that’s not what God intended! His plan was for us to be His special creation, “a little lower than the angels”, endowed with reason and free will to make our own choices. God was sad when we fell into sin, but He sent us Jesus as a savior and model, and gave us the scriptures for guidance. If we put our trust in Him and not the things of the world, we may always choose the right.
Gracious God, we are sorry when we stray from Your plan for us. Help us to see the wonderful blessings You intend and live in the light of Your Word. Amen.