You’ve Made a Big Mistake (Part 1)

The View From Above: Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life

June 15, 2026

Pastor Paul Stephens

You’ve Made a Big Mistake (Part 1)

Mistakes require recognition, sometimes an apology, and repentance. We like none of that.

Don’t be too proud to admit you’ve made a mistake. Be willing to repent, pull back, and make a fresh start.

Living a successful life requires this—indeed, it demands it—because we’re all going to make mistakes.

Sometimes our mistakes are obvious to us. We realize we’ve made one and correct ourselves.

Sometimes our mistakes need to be pointed out to us by others—and that’s something most people don’t like.

Of course, we also have the added advantage of having God’s Word and the preaching of it, both of which God uses to help us recognize our mistakes.

One of the most dangerous realities we face is self-deception.

Mistakes can be masked by it, making it difficult for us to see what is truly happening in our lives.

Scripture Focus

Proverbs 14:12

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Solomon wrote this verse twice, perhaps to emphasize the point.

There are many things that seem right to us but are actually big mistakes.

When it comes to important decisions, get help.

Don’t rely solely on your own intuition.

All of us need another pair of eyes on our business.

God has given us fellow believers, our families, and spiritual leaders—all people who can contribute to the quality of our lives by helping us identify mistakes that we may not see ourselves.

Today’s Challenge

Examine your heart today.

Is there an area where pride is keeping you from admitting a mistake?

Be willing to receive correction, seek godly counsel, and make whatever adjustments are necessary.

Don’t be too proud to admit you’ve made a mistake.