Transformational Tip
I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid and still am as an adult. Just the original though, you know, with Kirk and Spock. To me, they were the dynamic duo of the universe. Every episode they would take on all challenges and enemies from around the multiverse as well as from within themselves. And Kirk and Spock would beat them in less than 60 minutes, every time!
I especially loved the episodes where they went back in time and did something (usually something good) that would then significantly affect the future…which was Spock and Kirk’s present. The ripples into the their present usually really messed up their lives and often threw everything off balance, wrecking the whole world. Then they had to figure out how to go back in the past, undo what they thought the good deed they did, and make everything right again so their present and future would be OK.
From our own selfish desires, our limited knowledge, and our continuing need to feel good now, we often fall into the same trap as Kirk and Spock. Spending lots of time thinking about what we could change about our past so our lives would be better now. Forget what is behind you and focus on what you need to do now.
God has forgiven you as you receive Christ’s death for your mistakes and sins. Take your personal stepping-stones, one at a time, toward the prize that has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, any progress in moving toward a Christ-like life is awesome progress to God.
Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past, comes to your mind, grab the remote control for your brain and switch to the channel broadcasting Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and the freedom His resurrection brings you now and in the future. Do you know where the remote control for your brain is? Your remote is your decision-making skills, and that is why we focus so much on the spiritual discipline of decision-making.
Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged, I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that You paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that’s within reach for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is amazing progress. Help me today, my God, to act on the guidance that you have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In the name of the one with the perfect brain, Jesus’ victorious name, I pray; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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.
Philippians 3:13-14
The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
Proverbs 15:24