I take issue with you saying these are mistakes. The fact that you learned some lessons along the way and might do things differently next time doesn't mean you made mistakes. We are only ever working with the knowledge, experience, and maturity we have in the moment and I don't think it does us much good to go back and judge ourselves as if we made mistakes. I expect you faithfully stewarded what you knew and what you had at the time. So while it's good to learn from the past I wouldn't blame yourself for it.
Thanks, Tim. I appreciate your encouragement and counsel. It's reassuring. I find it particularly helpful when you say "We are only ever working with the knowledge, experience, and maturity we have in the moment . . ." Such a helpful insight. And yet, you can still make mistakes while recognizing you were operating with the present knowledge, experience, and maturity you have at the moment. We do it regularly in all kinds of areas of life. But, to your point, perhaps "lessons" would be a better word than "mistakes." Thank you for helping me think through this.
Where would you recommend starting with a first book if not in Christian Living? I would think s popular level book would be a good place, but maybe something more theological?
As a "for instance," there are books like Michael Glodo's "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," which is a popular-level title on the function of blessings (particularly the Aaronic blessing) and how they point to the future hope of the Gospel. This kind of title has more textual and theological meat to it than, say, "New Morning Mercies," by Tripp (no offense to Tripp, whom I greatly respect), which serves more of a devotional function.
Is this close to your distinction in warning against writing a Christian Living title first?
I take issue with you saying these are mistakes. The fact that you learned some lessons along the way and might do things differently next time doesn't mean you made mistakes. We are only ever working with the knowledge, experience, and maturity we have in the moment and I don't think it does us much good to go back and judge ourselves as if we made mistakes. I expect you faithfully stewarded what you knew and what you had at the time. So while it's good to learn from the past I wouldn't blame yourself for it.
Thanks, Tim. I appreciate your encouragement and counsel. It's reassuring. I find it particularly helpful when you say "We are only ever working with the knowledge, experience, and maturity we have in the moment . . ." Such a helpful insight. And yet, you can still make mistakes while recognizing you were operating with the present knowledge, experience, and maturity you have at the moment. We do it regularly in all kinds of areas of life. But, to your point, perhaps "lessons" would be a better word than "mistakes." Thank you for helping me think through this.
Great post!
Where would you recommend starting with a first book if not in Christian Living? I would think s popular level book would be a good place, but maybe something more theological?
I'm not sure. It depends on factors like the writer's background, credentials, experience, interests, etc.
That's totally understandable.
As a "for instance," there are books like Michael Glodo's "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," which is a popular-level title on the function of blessings (particularly the Aaronic blessing) and how they point to the future hope of the Gospel. This kind of title has more textual and theological meat to it than, say, "New Morning Mercies," by Tripp (no offense to Tripp, whom I greatly respect), which serves more of a devotional function.
Is this close to your distinction in warning against writing a Christian Living title first?
Love what you are doing in here, David. Learned of you via @Reagan Rose and your interview on Redeeming Productivity. Blessings brother!
Glad to hear that! I always enjoy my time with Reagan and enjoyed doing that podcast episode together.