“I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” (John 9:25 NLT)
Recently I have been orchestrating a remodeling of our lower level. More than one individual has asked me did I take any before and after pictures. My response was, “No. All I can tell you that it is much improved, and the goal is for it to only get better.” I’m not an HGTV celebrity or a DYI star, not close. I don’t see the benefit of dwelling on the mess that can be classified as “what was,” but I would rather focus on “what is” and optimistically, what shall be when a never-ending design project is complete.
Now some social scientist and touted therapist and practicing psychologist may disagree with me, but I think that dwelling on the past too much; dwelling on what was too much, will only give Satan ammunition, and an ample opportunity to stir up some old ways of living, to surface some old lust, or to summon some old left behind memories; memories that should stay right where they are. But what if we dealt with the “what was” like the blind man healed by Jesus healed, dealt with the “what was” when he was interrogated by the Jewish leaders of his time? Really, would that be all that we would have to do? What does he show us? He sets an example of how one simple statement will keep our minds on “what is” and what lies ahead and none of our senses will be stirred up to the point of having thoughts that we don’t need to revisit or possibly put in a position where we go beyond contemplation and revive actions in real time; actions that should have stayed back in the “what was.” You fill in the blank: “I once was _________, but now I’m __________.” With that statement you have said enough! Well, perhaps for testimonial purposes or witnessing reasons, you might want to go a bit further and give credit to Jesus for bringing you from “what was” to your “what is,” but no more is needed! Just press forward as suggested by the Apostle Paul in our closing verse. Have a wonderful Saturday and don’t forget worship tomorrow. Be blessed!
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King