Living in MotionSample

What is the best way to learn a lesson?

If you've ever accidentally touched a hot plate in the kitchen or hit your funny bone on a table edge, it's generally a reminder that “Ouch, that hurts!” We learn by making mistakes. It's either “do not touch”, or “do not trust”.

Why then do we continue to sin? Why do we hurt our soul and our relationship with God time and time again when we have experienced the hurt and pain before? This is a constant reaction to "living in the now syndrome."

There's an emotional high when we sin—the feeling leading up to the temptation is what gets us. In that moment leading up to sin, we forget the lesson we learned from the pain of that sin the last time. Yet we continue to sin because we live only in the moment and in that moment, it feels good!

If we already have the knowledge that it’s a bad decision to act on that temptation, but it doesn't stop us, then what do we need? More than knowledge, we need to remember the lesson. No matter the situation. No matter the emotions. What we need is a reminder when we come to these situations. We want that Déjà vu moment of "I've been here before."

There is a crucial moment in the book of Joshua where He has this moment of spiritual Déjà vu. Joshua and the Israelites were crossing the Jordan River. They were finally stepping into the Promised Land; something that was 40 years in the making. Here, Joshua had the foresight that lessons can be easily forgotten.

How often did the Israelites grumble and complain as they were wandering through the desert? Forgetting what God had done for them and provided for them? 

He knew that to make sure they didn't get stuck for another 40 years of being lost, He had to build a monument. Whenever they looked upon it, it would remind the Israelites of the lesson to always follow and trust God.

What monuments can you start to set up in your life as you go along so you can remember what God has done for you? 

To avoid the pain of mistakes, we must remember the lessons, not just the emotions. Live for a bigger future!