Watching film the day after a previous game is fun—when you win. After a loss, it’s a completely different matter. The walk into practice the next day is long and dreaded, as a constant agony looms in your mind over last night’s poor performance. Dismayed, it will then be broadcasted via projector for everyone to see. Those mistakes are then analyzed and scrutinized in front of the entire team.

Now, despite desperate attempts to play the perfect game, mistakes are inevitable. On film, they’re embarrassing to watch. Yet, a real competitor knows that film study—no matter how uncomfortable—is invaluable to growth. Why? Because the worst mistake isn’t the one watched on film. The worst mistake is the one that you don’t correct.

Herein lies an important truth about the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is about learning. Wisdom is the application of that knowledge. In life, we make mistakes and can learn about what we did wrong (knowledge). But if there isn’t application of the lessons learned (wisdom), then the mistake will stay uncorrected, and most likely, eventually repeat. 

The glory of the Gospel is that God is zealous about our transformation. His Spirit convicts us of mistakes, shows us how to change, and then empowers us to actually make those changes. God doesn’t call out our shortcomings to heap shame and abandon us to figure it out on our own. He is present, and His grace is enough. Any illumination of our errors provide incredible growth opportunities to live into our full potential as His children.

Today, may you trust God’s film study of your life. Celebrate victories. Learn about mistakes. Apply necessary changes. And in so doing, may you experience the glory and wonder of God’s incredible love and commitment to you.