One of the greatest challenges in life is 'overcoming the past'. From painful childhood memories to failed marriages, most of us have a dysfunctional history in certain aspects of our life. Bondages or addictions beset many over their lifetimes. There is much too high a percentage of folks who are figuratively 'slaves' to their past environments or circumstances. It is impossible to be truly content and at peace with God, with ourselves, or with our fellow man without overcoming our past.
We spend far too much time crying over spilt milk. Rather than living in the present and renewing our minds and attitudes, we allow the past sins of society or family to dominate our feelings and emotions. We waste our time and energy on things that cannot be changed. We cannot change the loss of a loved one. We cannot change a previous divorce. We cannot change our childhood. We cannot change our ancestry's history. We cannot change the neighbor next door. We cannot even change our spouse!
Christ set us the ultimate example of overcoming life's obstacles. He was born in stable for animals. His birth was viewed as being illegitimate by most people. The 'official' church branded Him an insurrectionist and decided He should be killed. Most of those closest to Him either betrayed or abandoned Him. He endured suffering beyond imagination. Although innocent, He died like a common criminal.
His response was incredible! 'Father forgive them for they know not what they do'....... 'Be of good cheer for I have overcome the world'.......'Forgetting those things which are behind'....... '
What a different world it would be if everyone loved and forgave others their trespasses! Kindness, gentleness, and meekness would abound in our families and in our society.
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