Here We Go Again

You’ve probably heard this quote:

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. George Santayana

It seems to be a favorite among history teachers, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately as I’ve studied the prophets.  When Jesus came to earth, he made it clear that the abuse he endured was exactly the same as that of the prophets, and he also said that if we were like him, we’d also be persecuted just like the prophets (Luke 6.22-23). 

But what about personal history?  Are you learning lessons from your own history?  Have you ever seen a guy who keeps getting into bad relationships, and it seems like he never learns?  What about people who keep repeating other mistakes over and over and over again?  The alcoholic keeps on drinking.  The drug addict continues to make excuses that sound very much like those of the glutton who eats way more than her body needs.  We keep friendships and relationships that we know are bad for us.  We procrastinate, make excuses and have all sorts of reasons why we just keep doing the same stupid things. 

Is this you?

 Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.
Proverbs 26:11

When God got tired of Israel’s misbehavior, He sent pain.  They were slaughtered and plundered by their enemies, and taken away as captives.  God had His house among them in Israel, and even allowed that to be destroyed.  There were plagues and pestilence, locusts and drought. 

What does it take to get your attention? 

Will you force God to love you enough to bring the pain, or will you never change, or will you be wise and make up your mind to repent (change) now – and go “all-in” for God? 

I know the answer for most of you, because I know history.  Most of you will be like the dog who returns to eat his own puke.  Most will never learn from their own history.  And the result is lots and lots of struggle and hardship for the rest of your life.  It’s your choice, of course, but I know what most of you will choose.  Most people choose to sing the foolish song, “Oops, I did it again.” 

Ask God & your true friends (fellow disciples) to help you.  Make up your mind to change.  And do it now, because it'll never get easier than it is today - change only gets harder.