A Life with No Regrets

“Here I am; bear witness against me before the Lord and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken…or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? I will restore it to you.” 1 Samuel 12:3 NASB

Toward the end of his life, Samuel paused to reflect. He had been the spiritual and political leader of Israel. But that was all about to change. Not only was his life coming to an end but Israel was getting its own king.

It was an opportune moment for him to think about his own life and ministry. He described his opposition to the decision to name a king but reminded them that he had “listened to your voice.”

Then he reminded the people how he had walked with them. They knew him, and all his successes and failures, mistakes and victories. He reminded them of his legacy. How he had a clean conscience, with no regrets. And if he had done anything wrong, he was prepared to make it right.

His statement is so much like what Paul said at the end of his life. Paul wrote Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). Just like Samuel, Paul had a clear conscious. He had served God faithfully, and had not left anything undone.

This is a moment to think about your life. What kind of legacy are you leaving behind? What has God called you to do? What resources has He given you? Have you done anything for which you need forgiveness? Do you have a clear conscience?

Ask God to help you live a life with no regrets. Doing the things He has called you to do. Mending any broken relationships. Seeking forgiveness. Living with a clear conscience. Leaving nothing undone.

Prayer: Father, search my heart and my life. Reveal anything that is not pleasing to You. Help me to be a clean and pure vessel. Use me to impact lives for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.