Object Lessons

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. & These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 1 Corinthians 10:6,11. 

  We can learn from bad choices as well as good. The Holy Bible is filled with stories about individuals and groups of people who did the right thing, and also of those who made the wrong choices. In the verses above we are told to learn from people who did not do the right thing, who rebelled, were disobedient to God, and paid a terrible price for their foolish actions. 

Looking back over my own life I can think of many bad choices that I wish I could have prevented or would do differently now. We all have such instances in our lives. 

For years my siblings and I tried our best to get our mother to manage her diabetes properly. I know firsthand how hard that is to do as I have struggled for years to keep my own diabetes under control. I sometimes think one of the most powerful drugs is food, especially deserts/sweets. Sadly, my mother is now suffering from not taking control of her diabetes. She recently began dialysis. My mom is an object lesson to me, driving me to better manage and control my own diabetes. 

We generally think of learning from and emulating the good examples of the lives of those we admire, from historical figures, to our family and friends, and from the Bible. Yet, even mistakes and failures in the lives of others and in our own lives can be learning experiences. Such bad choices can drive us on with a new determination to live better. We can reap the rewards of good actions as we learn from the object lessons others have given us. 

Do not forget the lessons the Bible brings us regarding those who made bad choices. And when those around you stumble and fail, let it motivate you to do better in your own life. We do not judge the failures of others, but we apply object lessons to better ourselves as we learn from them. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, Your Holy Book has much to teach us. Help us to remember the lessons of those who lived good lives and made good choices. And also help us to learn from those who did not make the best choices. Give us wisdom and determination to do better in our own lives. Amen.