One day I drug myself out of bed and wandered into the kitchen.  I was in my normal morning state of mind...which means I knew my name and that this was my house...but everything else was blurry.  I poured some orange juice for my daily Vitamin C.  Then I got myself some coffee, mixed in a bit of cream and Splenda, gave it a quick stir, and took a nice long satisfying drink.  At least it would have been a nice long satisfying drink had I not started off by pouring the orange juice into my coffee cup.

Mistakes.  Life is filled with them.  They come in all kinds, sizes and degrees of seriousness.  Some, such as having a hot cup of orange-coffee, are just silly and unless you share them with 30 million people, no one will ever know.  Others have a way of changing lives, often with terrible, far-reaching consequences.  And whether from bad judgment, misunderstanding, or no understanding at all, each of us has made mistakes, good and bad, big and small.  But what's important is what happens next.

Jesus once said, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.

We read this and think of how life can beat us down, leaving us exhausted and worried.  But there's far more to these words.  It isn't simply about unexpected difficulties or tragedies.  It's about something much more common.  Something we deal with day in and day out.  It's about making mistakes in how we choose to live.  And it offers a very simple solution.  Learn from me.

The problem we have is not in the making of or avoiding mistakes.  Those are going to occur whether we like it or not.  We, of course, could pretend nothing has happened or blame everything on someone else or some force beyond our control.  Not much maturity there.  We could get angry with ourselves for not being perfect or for being stupid.  Not very encouraging or helpful.  And we could always concede that such things happen and then forget about it all.  Again, no real progress.

The real issue is whether we will learn from our mistakes.  But how can we learn?  Who can we look to?  How can we ever recover from what we've done or failed to do?  Learn from me.  Was Jesus being serious?  He lived so long ago, how could He possibly be of any help?  Can we really take what has happened and then learn from Jesus?  And what is it we are supposed to learn?

It is written in the Prophets: They will all be taught by God.  Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. (John 6:45)  The world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. (John 14:31)  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (John 13:15-16)

For those of us who claim to follow Christ, there is only one mistake that ultimately means anything ... failing to do exactly what God has commanded us to do.  All other mistakes we make in life pale in comparison to this one.  When we make that mistake, the world cannot know that we love God.  Jesus did exactly what our Heavenly Father commanded Him to do.  In all things, we must do the same.

And Jesus calls out to us,  Learn from me.  My task was to do what God had called me to do.  Take this also as your own.  I will personally guide you and you will find rest and peace, even in the midst of hardship and sadness.  I will be with you always and my words will never fail.

I used to wonder why this would make things better.  As I've grown older I've watched people drown in the burdens of this world...always trying to outdo others, to surpass expectations, to be the best, have the best, beat the best.  Then Jesus comes along and says we should learn from Him, do what God tells us to do, not sweat the small stuff, and we will find true peace.  Could it be that simple?  Yes.

I am gentle and humble in heart...  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 5-7  ...Learn from me.

Take care and be God's,

Chuck

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