As
you see from the title, today’s blog is the final installment in a collection
of blogs I started earlier this month speculating on what I might say to my
younger self, if I somehow had the ability to do so.
Rather
than conclude with just one final piece of advice, I’ve decided to end this set
of blogs by briefly talking about various subjects. I’ve chosen to go this route because I realized
that there were several other things that I could have devoted entire blogs to,
but I didn’t want this “personal reflections” series to drag on (plus I wanted to
end it on my birthday). So today is
going to be like a lightning round, if you will. Let me get started and you’ll see what I’m
talking about.
For
example, I would counsel a young Kevin
about how sin has severe consequences.
It’s interesting to note that the Bible doesn’t deny that sin is fun,
but it's quick to add that the enjoyment is very brief (“the fleeting pleasures of sin” is how it’s
phrased in Hebrews 11:25). I’ll be
transparent with you: every time I have chosen sin, I've never really enjoyed it. Why? Because regret, shame, and heartache are all
that lingers as a result of going down that road. It’s not worth it.
The price tag is much too costly.
Choose to walk the path of righteousness.
Another
subject matter that I would love to share
with my younger self is how extremely important it is to wait on God rather
than take matters into your own hands.
The Lord recently brought a quote from author John Ortberg to my mind
that I hadn’t thought about in years.
While this isn’t a word for word quote, essentially Ortberg wrote that
it’s important to wait upon the Lord because what we wait for isn’t as
important as who we become as we wait.
It’s true. As I’ve waited on Him,
God has taught me valuable lessons in my life that have helped shape me into
the person I am today.
Some
of you may find this next one silly, but stay with me. I would
tell my young self about the selflessness of superheroes (incidentally, while I'm on this subject, that new TV show “The Flash” is outstanding.
I highly recommend it to you). In
the animated film “Ultimate Avengers 2: Rise of the Panther” Iron Man and Captain America have an interesting
discussion. Iron Man tells Captain
America, “You’ve got guts. I go for the
glory. I’m not interested in posthumous
awards.” “Well,” Cap answers. “You never really know until the time comes.”
The
time does come when, later on, a huge meteorite descends upon the city. “I think I can deflect it.” Iron Man announces. “But can you survive that?” Captain America asks. “If not, I’ll take that posthumous award.” He is able to save everyone and survive, with
help from Thor’s hammer to revive his heart. I have to admit to you that I became a bigger
Iron Man fan as a result of seeing all this unfold. Moreover, I’ve seen many other superheroes
selflessly choose to face their own demise if it meant protecting others, and I
always find it inspiring.
In
conclusion, I would be negligent if I didn’t mention one final thing: I would tell a young Kevin Bauer to choose
to serve others, with no expectation of repayment. Philippians 2:3-4 is one of the integral
passages of my life. It essentially
instructs us not to be stuck on self (or, as my mom calls it: not to suffer from “me-itis”;
do you get the idea? Some sicknesses end
with “itis”, such as bronchitis or laryngitis); instead choose to consider the
well-being, happiness, and welfare of others.
Rebecca St. James stated in a song entitled “Alive” that everything this
culture offers doesn’t compare to the incredible joy that comes from giving to
others. I have found from personal
experience that she is absolutely correct.
Kevin
No comments:
Post a Comment