Have you ever made a mistake? Have you ever done something that you did not mean to do? Sometimes we have problems. Sometimes we do not do the things that are expected of us. When that happens, what do we do? Continue to make the same mistake over and over? Or do we learn from the mistake and try harder to do better.

The bible is a powerful book for many reasons. One of them is that we can look at the mistakes others have made and learn from them. Consider the people who wore God’s name in the Old Testament. Did they ever make a mistake? Sure they did.

After the Israelites had left Egypt they sent out spies into the promised land. Ten came back with a bad report while two said we can do it with God’s help. As a result of this mistake, they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. (Numbers 13)

They left Egypt and headed toward the land God had promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They had wandered for forty years and now it is time to take the land. They defeat Jericho and lost at Ai. Why? Someone made a mistake. They were not to take anything but someone did. Achan had possessions that he was banned from having. They should have defeated this small army but were unsuccessful. (Joshua 7)

Actually, today we cover things over by saying we made a mistake. Was it a mistake or was it a sin? Sin runs rampant in our country today and yet instead of owning up to the fact that we do sin, we use words that make us feel comfortable. Do you do this? Have you ever caught yourself saying “I made a mistake” when in all actuality you just downright sinned?

There are mistakes that we make. When taking a test we may put down a wrong answer. That’s a mistake. When we don’t trust in and follow God, brethren, we are just sinning and must repent.