LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Forgetting What Was Left Behind
"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14).
There is a sense in which we do well to remember the past misdoings of our lives – that we may be humbled and warned; that we may not expose ourselves to temptations which have shown themselves too strong for us; that we may be led to a more careful self-watch and more entire dependence upon God. But we ought not to dwell upon our past sins as though they were ever present to the eye of God, and incapacitated us for high and holy service.
What would Peter have done on the Day of Pentecost if he had persisted in pensively dwelling on the scenes of the denial, and had not dared to believe that all was forgiven and forgotten? What would have been the effect on the Apostle Paul, if he had allowed the memory of his share in the harrying of the saints to overcast his spirit when summoned to found churches, write epistles, and traverse continents?
When once we confess it, our sin is immediately and forever put away. God will never mention it again. It need not be a barrier I m our service; it should not hinder us from aspiring to and enjoying the most intimate fellowship which is within the reach of mortals. Forget the past sins and failures of your life in the sense of brooding over them with perpetual lamentation. (F.B. Meyer).