We all have a mental museum! Old thoughts. Old memories. Archives from which to draw lessons for life. We have considered the impact of both good and bad memories. Now, what about those we ought to toss out? Are there any we are holding onto which we really should discard?
Paul had quite a past. His heritage was an impressive one. The advantages of his ancestry, education, and social status were great. (note Philippians 3:4-5) However, Paul came to a point in his life when he realized there was much in which he could no longer place his confidence. Therefore, he came to disregard the significance of some of his past.
Note how Paul referred to this himself as he stated. . .
“(7) But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (8) Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ (9) and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith — (10) that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (11) that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:7-11 ESV)
Are we holding onto anything that really is of little consequence to our life and hindering our walk with Christ? Are we placing importance on memories of the past that may give rise for personal boasting instead of glorying in Christ? It is possible for these thoughts to get in the way of our continuing relationship with the Lord.
The last thing we should want to do is have anything interfere with our walk with Christ. If we begin to think too highly of our own accomplishments and goodness of the past, may we trash those memories and take a closer look at what we have gained in Christ. May our Lord be forever the centerpiece on display in the museum of our mind!
Have a great day LIVING FOR JESUS TO BE SEEN!
Carl
