20/20 Vision

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Having at times looked into the past and wished I’d handled certain situations differently, one common rationalization comes to mind. As it is said, “Hindsight is 20/20.” That is the short way of saying, “Well, if I’d only known then what I know now, I would have done better.”

20/20 sight is a wonderful advantage, but if our vision is only clear when looking backwards, we’re destined for many more regrets. Our need is to see clearly into the future, not so we can predict the future, but so we will with wisdom rightly act in the future. God’s word promises that He has given to everyone perfect 20/20 vision – not in hindsight, but in foresight. We must clearly see, “that His Divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (II Peter 1:3-4).

“But, God, I just didn’t see the need to follow all of your law.”
“But’ God, I just thought coming to church on Sunday morning was enough.”
“But, God, I just thought that You would understand why I couldn’t forgive my enemies.”
“But, God, I just thought faith and believing was all I had to do.”
“But, God, I just thought you wanted me to enjoy all my possessions.”
“But, God, I just thought it was such a little sin.”
"But, God, ... now I clearly see. I was wrong."

Right now, the “hindsight is 20/20” excuse for our actions may suffice. Yet, there is a certain day coming when the excuse won’t be sufficient. In that day the Righteous Judge looking clearly into our past will know how we’ve used, or not used, the 20/20 image of righteousness which He revealed through His Word. To claim in that day, “But, God, I just couldn’t see the truth…” will not be an excuse.

Therefore, “be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you … for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you” (II Peter 1: 10-11).

How is our eyesight? May our 20/20 vision into the failures of our past, cause us to trust God’s 20/20 vision of our future.