A young man came to me for counselling the other day. As we were about rounding up the session, he asked a rather thought-provoking question; “Sir, do you ever make mistakes? I used to see you as someone who has a perfect life.” I humbly replied; “I have made a few mistakes in my life. Nobody is above mistakes. Only God is perfect with no mistakes.”
Friend, nobody is perfect. Only God is (Matthew 5:48). We have all made mistakes one way or the other, one time or the other. If anyone ever tells you that he has never made any mistake in life. It is either he is lying or has forgotten. Mistakes are part of the way we learn and grow in life. It is how to gain mastery over life matters.
Remember that the eraser was our constant companion when we were children. I remembered how often we cleaned up our mistakes when attempting to write, draw, or answer questions. But we never gave up. It was rising from those mistakes and improving daily that made us to master those subjects (Micah 7:8).
What life subjects or matters have you mastered, or are you mastering? The person who attempts nothing is not likely to make any mistakes, but he is already mistaken. Never make the mistake of doing nothing because of the fear of mistakes (Matthew 25:25). How you handle your mistakes matters. You need to see mistakes as a learning experience.
Although mistakes can be painful, they can end up being gainful if you can learn how to turn them around (Psalms 126:1-6). When you learn from your mistakes, you are able to get better on your life and craft. It also positions you to better guide and mentor those coming after you. The very thing you are ashamed of may be the very tool that God wants to use to help other people (1 Timothy 1:15-16). There is a ministry in your mistakes if you can hand it over to God.
There are costly mistakes that define a man forever. Always pray that God will not lead you into temptation (Matthew 6:13). Listen to the nugging of the Holy Spirit. Don’t discard the cautions and counsels of elders. Be humble. Avoid presumption. Remember, when you think you cannot be wrong. You are already wrong (Matthew 26:33-35).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria