LOOK AHEAD!
A man who was losing his memory went to a specialist for tests. Following the tests, his doctor said, "I have a tough choice for you. We can bring back your memory, but at the risk of destroying your eyesight. So which is more important – your memory or vision?" After thinking it over, the man replied, "I prefer my eyesight because I'd rather see where I’m going rather than remember where I have been!"
****************************************************************************
All of us have memories of personal sin and regret. Moreover, the sheer number of our transgressions may seem overwhelming. Some, incessantly haunted by memories of past misdeeds, believe that their future will be no better. That, however, is a lie perpetrated by the devil.
Consider the apostle Paul. Didn’t he have “skeletons” for which he could have been perpetually ashamed? He’d assisted those who stoned Stephen to death – Act 7:58. He’d threatened murder and traveled to distant cities to arrest Christians – Act 9:1ff. He’d persecuted the church beyond measure – Gal. 1:13. It was only after bringing untold suffering to the Lord’s disciples that he saw the “Light” on a trip to Damascus, and subsequently turned to the Lord – Act 9:3ff.
Paul could have easily sulked for the remainder of his life, overcome with intense guilt induced by the suffering he had caused. Fortunately, he chose to focus on something else. “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, FORGETTING those things which are BEHIND and reaching FORWARD to those things which are AHEAD, I press toward the GOAL for the PRIZE of the UPWARD CALL of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14)
Though his past was riddled with crimes against the Lord, he understood that no sin is so indelible that the blood of Christ cannot erase it. No life is so ruined that Jesus cannot heal and make it useful. Thus, by the grace of God Christians can leave their past alone and instead focus on what lies ahead.
Dear Christian, regardless of your past, press on. Leave behind all that induces guilt, sorrow and remorse. Reach forward for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
A man who was losing his memory went to a specialist for tests. Following the tests, his doctor said, "I have a tough choice for you. We can bring back your memory, but at the risk of destroying your eyesight. So which is more important – your memory or vision?" After thinking it over, the man replied, "I prefer my eyesight because I'd rather see where I’m going rather than remember where I have been!"
****************************************************************************
All of us have memories of personal sin and regret. Moreover, the sheer number of our transgressions may seem overwhelming. Some, incessantly haunted by memories of past misdeeds, believe that their future will be no better. That, however, is a lie perpetrated by the devil.
Consider the apostle Paul. Didn’t he have “skeletons” for which he could have been perpetually ashamed? He’d assisted those who stoned Stephen to death – Act 7:58. He’d threatened murder and traveled to distant cities to arrest Christians – Act 9:1ff. He’d persecuted the church beyond measure – Gal. 1:13. It was only after bringing untold suffering to the Lord’s disciples that he saw the “Light” on a trip to Damascus, and subsequently turned to the Lord – Act 9:3ff.
Paul could have easily sulked for the remainder of his life, overcome with intense guilt induced by the suffering he had caused. Fortunately, he chose to focus on something else. “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, FORGETTING those things which are BEHIND and reaching FORWARD to those things which are AHEAD, I press toward the GOAL for the PRIZE of the UPWARD CALL of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14)
Though his past was riddled with crimes against the Lord, he understood that no sin is so indelible that the blood of Christ cannot erase it. No life is so ruined that Jesus cannot heal and make it useful. Thus, by the grace of God Christians can leave their past alone and instead focus on what lies ahead.
Dear Christian, regardless of your past, press on. Leave behind all that induces guilt, sorrow and remorse. Reach forward for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
RSS Feed