Transformational Thought
I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid, and still am as an adult. I’m a fan of the original series, which featured Kirk and Spock. To me, they were the best hero and sidekick ever. In every episode, they would take on challenges and battle enemies from around the multiverse as well as demons from within the human heart and mind. Kirk and Spock would beat them in less than 60 minutes every time, never losing while altruistically saving the galaxies!
I especially loved the episodes where Kirk and Spock went back in time and did something (usually something good) that would significantly affect the future. The ripples of their actions usually messed up their “present time” lives, throwing everything off balance and wrecking the whole world. Then they had to figure out how to go back to the past again, undo what they thought had been a good deed so their present and future would move forward on the right track.
We are all a lot like Kirk and Spock. Our own selfish desires, limited knowledge, and continuous need to avoid pain and discomfort can lead us into the same trap they experienced. We can spend lots of time thinking about what we would have done differently so that life would be better now. We would all like to hit the rewind button and change some aspects of our past. But, of course, none of us can go back. Even if we could, there’s no way to know how much damage that would create.
So, forget what is behind you and focus on what you need to do now. You can certainly learn from some of your previous viewpoints and decisions. But you really need to focus on where you are now and what God is communicating through the circumstances He is bringing into your life at this very time.
Many of us spend too much time living in the past, and beating ourselves up because of past mistakes and sins. I am not saying to forget what you have done. You need to acknowledge your wrong choices. But God forgave you when you accepted Christ’s death for your mistakes and sins. Walk your personal stepping-stones, one at a time, toward the prize that has already been won for you. In this imperfect world, every step toward a Christ-like life is awesome progress in God’s eyes.
Today, when a derogatory thought comes to your mind, grab the remote control for your brain. Switch to the channel broadcasting Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and the freedom His resurrection brings you. Do you know where the remote control for your brain is? It’s your decision-making skills. The most important component is your perspective, viewpoint, or attitude as you approach a situation. Whether you use your remote control to go to good stations or you stay fixated on the distorted and bad ones is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Trying to live a perfect Christian life sometimes leaves me drained and discouraged. I am far from being a perfect Christian and feel I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times of discouragement, I am 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. Remind me to be immune to the destruction of what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that’s within reach, the life to 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, 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
