Mitchell County, NC

Every so often, I like to remind readers why I write under the heading “No Regrets”. If you take the time to read my articles, I would like to say thank you. I am not a professional writer, but I like the opportunity BRCN gives me to express my thoughts and Biblical convictions.

I grew up in a dysfunctional family. My dad was an alcoholic, and his alcoholism made life difficult for my mom and siblings. The stories that I could tell you about neglect, abuse, and heartache in our home are numerous. However, I am not alone, with many families suffering through neglect and abuse. More than likely, every reader knows a family similar to, if not worse than, the family I grew up in. My parents were not ignorant of Christian values, but sinful decisions will destroy a family. They both grew up in influential Christian homes; however, if one parent or both go away from the Lord, you can guarantee there will be problems in the home. The sad result is that many children attend school and social gatherings, and the people around them are unaware of what is taking place behind closed doors. Children are often afraid or embarrassed to talk about problems at home.

“No Regrets” is the motto I use to remind myself to choose Godly values in my home to end decisions that frustrate God’s design for the family. The model for this lifestyle is based on the truth of scripture. When I stand before the Lord, I want to stand with confidence that I have lived for the Lord with few regrets.

1 John 2:28 “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” “Not being ashamed before Him” is the same as not having any regrets. Being ashamed would be like a child holding their head down in front of a parent who is disappointed in the child’s behavior. Not one of us as believers wants to hold our heads down in front of Jesus because of shame. It is the same idea as Adam and Eve hiding from God. They were ashamed of their sin. Yes, our sins are forgiven and washed in the blood of the Lamb, but we will “all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”

Colossians 2:13–14 “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” Revelation 1:5 “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

How we appear before the Lord is of utmost importance, and we would be foolish to think that we never disappoint God. When I was a young man starting a family, I decided I wanted to have few regrets in life. This has been a challenge, because everything I do reflects my relationship with the Lord and my family. I have failed many times and had to repent and ask for forgiveness.

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

It seems standing before the Lord with confidence and few regrets is an unreachable goal. However, I am reminded “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” My dad was saved a few years before he passed. Knowing all the sins and regrets my dad lived with, and yet Jesus forgave him and allowed him to live as a redeemed man for about three years, helped me to understand the mercy and precious gift of salvation. Dad received a lifetime x 2—one life on earth and eternal life in heaven.

I hope you will challenge yourself “to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Happy Easter,
Love Pastor Dean

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Pastor Dean Honeycutt shepherds Snow Hill Baptist Church in Bakersville, NC. He may be reached at 828-385-0213, [email protected], or visit their website at www.snowhillbaptist.com.

You can read more good Christian news from Dean HERE.

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