“We beat ourselves up over the mistakes we make, but our biggest mistakes double as our greatest opportunities. . . . Each of us has a unique combination of experiences and influences. In the words of Morrie Schwartz, ‘I am every age, up to my own.’ “- Mark Batterson
“When you move past self, life is simpler and less stressful.”- Tom Rath, It’s Not About You
In Chapter 6 (“Try Tears”) of Please Sorry Thanks, Mark Batterson stresses that we all need a Copernican revolution. Because we’re way too self-centered. Just like the world, prior to Copernicus, believed the universe revolved around the earth.
Hence, Pastor Batterson observes, self-absorbed people see others as either obstacles to get around or inconveniences to endure. In addition, historically speaking, we tend to objectify people and personify objects. Therefore, with this mindset, we see ourselves as more task-oriented than relationship-oriented. And we turn everything into a competition. Rather than a win-win situation.
Above all, Mark counsels, selfish people fail to use the word sorry. Because they:
- haven’t learned to put themselves in other people’s shoes.
- wash their hands like Pilate; instead of washing feet like Jesus.
- deny responsibility; shift the blame.
- play the victim and play God.
Furthermore, Mark asserts, we also suffer from self-consciousness, which he sees as a byproduct of the curse. For after Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God and from each other. Consequently, we’ve played hide-and-seek ever since. However, we overcome this as we become more God-conscious and others-conscious.
Therefore, a better way exists – the Jesus way. As a result, Mark explains:
“And it starts with sorry. Sorry may sound like waving a white flag, but it’s quite the opposite. It’s getting out of your trench and walking into the line of fire. Few things take more courage than saying sorry! . . . But it has to pass a twofold litmus test: It has to be specific, and it has to be sincere.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help us see our biggest mistakes as our greatest opportunities? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Confession – nebulous or nuanced?”
