Hindsight: Backward Glances, Forward Progress

There was a huge, divisive problem among the first century Christians. They were arguing about how to do church. And what it meant to be a Christian. I know. Hard to believe, isn’t it?  

In Acts 15, gospel author Luke gives us a peek into one of the most momentous meetings of that generation’s followers of The Way (aka Christians before they were called Christians). Paul and Barnabas are sent to Jerusalem to meet with prominent leaders of the early Jesus movement gathered to solve a really serious issue – what to do about Gentiles who wanted to join The Way.

Paul and Barnabas’s first instinct is one we can learn from.

They reviewed their experiences.

Before diving into debate or problem-solving, they come together and celebrate the incredible stories of what God has been doing. They shared how Gentiles everywhere were being converted into Jesus-followers.

Even once the debate started, they continued to celebrate the signs and wonders they witnessed and heard of – enrapturing the entire assembly. Remembering what God was doing gave them the foundation for finding unity and problem-solving effectively. And it gave them a sense of purpose. 

I know well that feeling: a major project wraps up, and before we’ve even had a chance to breathe, we’re already onto the next thing.  Can you relate? We’re wired for forward motion, for productivity, for checking items off our ever-growing to-do lists. But what if I told you that the key to moving forward lies in looking back?

Think about it in this model: Hindsight brings insight which produces foresight.

Hindsight can be nurtured through reflective practice – a concept gaining increasing recognition in both secular and spiritual circles around the globe. Both giving and receiving feedback are crucial to grow and to produce even better future experiences.

“Experience doesn’t make you better. Evaluated experience makes you better.” – Andy Stanley

Reflective practice is good for us personally. Eastern and Western cultures alike share research that highlights the positive impacts of reflective practice on mental, emotional, relational, and even physical health. Practices like journaling, documenting experiences, or simply talking through events allow us to view the holistic impacts of our experiences and continue to progress. This process is vital for preventing us from living a “disembodied life,” moving through the motions without truly engaging with the significance of our journey.

Reflective practice is also good for us professionally. In nursing education, extensive studies revealed that reflective practice not only made nurses more competent at their jobs, but it improved team members’ resilience, professional and personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and empowered them in leadership and organizational improvement.

Spiritual director and writer Janet Hagberg powerfully puts it this way: “A leader’s capacity for influence is actually capped by their capacity for reflection.”  This resonated deeply with me personally. For years, I operated on autopilot, relentlessly focused on the “next thing.”  It was years later that I realized neglecting to pause and reflect significantly limited my own leadership impact.

In the Acts 15 Jerusalem Council, recalling and reflecting on God’s work through the Gentiles was a pivotal piece of the conversation. It allowed church leaders to see God’s work and make decisions that were guided by his acts and truth. 

There are some really simple ways you can get started with reflective practice today:

• Journaling: Document both your successes and challenges to see how God works through them. A 5-Year Journal can be a great way to easily look back and see what’s happening long-term.

• Gratitude Journaling: After each experience, jot down what you’re thankful for and what results or progress you anticipate. This can form a perspective that is forward-thinking as much as it is reflective.

• Group Debriefs: Reflecting together on shared experiences creates space for diverse insights, collective learning, and mutual support. In my work, our teams debrief every experience before we leave it. This helps us celebrate together and plan to improve based on what we’ve learned. 

In a world that constantly pushes us forward, remember the wisdom of looking back. Reflective practice isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a vital tool for growth, leadership, and ultimately, a life lived with greater purpose and significance. Take the time to reflect. You might be surprised at the clarity and direction it brings to your journey.

Reflect in the comments: what’s an experience you’ve learned from this week that can help you progress in the future?