A Healthy Review

For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. Galatians 1:13, 14 (New American Standard Bible)

Paul never let go of the reality from where God had brought him. His life prior to his conversion stood in stark contrast to God’s work of grace in his life. Not only did he know of his past, others did as well. His reputation followed and preceded him as he crossed paths with individuals. After all, he was at one time adamantly opposed to Jesus Christ and any of His followers, as well as passionately involved with Judaism and the traditions of his ancestors. Knowledgeable in the letter of the law but blind to the Author of that law.

Although Paul knew where he had come from, he also knew it was no longer his way of life. He knew God had radically changed his life and he lived his new life in Christ with as much zeal as he did his former life. He was a billboard of faith that clearly showed the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new.” A fuller appreciation of what was “new” for Paul was gained as he thought back to his former manner of life.

Looking back on one’s life must be done with the intent of realizing, appreciating, and proclaiming the work of God that has taken place. If it leads to shame, self-loathing, contempt, discouragement, or guilt over things already forgiven and covered by the blood of Christ, then it is nothing more than a review that puts one in a mental and emotional prison of torment. That should be a sign to us that the enemy of our soul is close at hand. Those “calling cards” are his finger prints and his plans are always to destroy us.

One way to foil his plans is to review the past allowing it to bring forth praise and thanksgiving for all God has done. Thankful for the forgiveness. Thankful for the fresh start. Thankful for the past being the past and not the present or future. Thankful for ministry that will be birthed as a result of a new life in Christ. Thankful that none of it need be wasted but rather used powerfully in the kingdom work of our Heavenly Father. Thankful that God saw fit to bring us into a different way to live our life and a different direction to take us. Thankful that our past no longer defines us. Paul knew how to view his past and we can learn from the example he set for us.

Father, I choose to turn each memory into a celebration of Your redemptive work! Amen.

I'm Not Who I Was - Brandon Heath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3SjCuSkaNs

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.