Bible Article - Retrospect (Frank Jamerson)

Today, we come to the end of another year, and another decade. As we look forward to another year and the beginning of the last decade of the century, there are three words that should be of special interest to us: retrospection, introspection and prospective.

"Retrospective" is "a looking back; reference to the past." There are two ways we can look at the experiences of the past year - as stepping stones to greater things, or as stumbling blocks to progress. Paul said that he forgot "the things that are behind," and yet he had just enumerated the disobedience of his past life (Phil. 3:5-13). He simply meant that the past events of his life did not hinder him from his goal - "the prize of the high calling of God." We cannot allow past injuries, criticisms, failures, or successes to hinder us from future service to God. On the other hand, we should never forget lessons learned from our failures, nor the debt that we owe God for our successes.

"Introspection" is "to look within; self-examination, appraising ourselves; taking stock." The apostle Paul said: "Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate"
(2 Cor. 13:5). How would our souls look if we had a photograph of them? As we look into the mirror and see our faces, we need to look into our souls and see how we stand before God. The only ones who can really know our hearts are ourselves and God. To think that the inner thoughts and motives are known only to me is to forget an important fact - God also knows my heart.

"Prospective" is "looking ahead; looking forward, or expecting confidently." This has to do with purpose and planning. The Israelites failed to enter the promised land because they took their eyes off that goal and looked back to Egypt (Acts 7:39). Jesus said, "No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Lk. 9:62). Each Christian should set his goal, or have purposes that he plans to attain in the coming year, and keep his eye on the goal.

As you look back over the past year, are you satisfied with your spiritual progress? As you look into your heart, are you pleased with the picture? As you look into the new year, what do you plan to accomplish for the Lord? Let each of us take inventory and determine that we will learn from the past, but "stretch forward" to greater things in the future.

Other Articles by Frank Jamerson
The Apostles and Hermeneutics
A Mixed Up World

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