Don’t be afraid to set an example
Many times, at night my wife and I will sit in our den, in our recliners, and watch television. Sometimes as we watch, we get distracted. We will also look at our phone, iPad, or, like many older adults, take a nap. Occasionally, we will have to ask each other what is happening in the movie.
One movie, I was halfway interested in, I heard an adult say to a young man, “Don’t be afraid to set an example.” It seems this young man had a troubled past and was trying to turn his life around. As hard as he tried, people tended to remember him as a bully and a troublemaker.
Many new Christians experience the same reception from friends, family, and the public, especially if the new Christian has a checkered past. People seem to remember the bad instead of focusing on the good. A lot of new Christians are harder on themselves because they remember their past and the things they did. One must focus on the future and let go of the enemies that will pester them until the day the Lord calls them into eternal life.
The famous football coach Nick Saban once said, “What happened yesterday is history, what happens tomorrow is a mystery, what we do today makes the difference.”
So many people need to understand and adhere to this, especially new Christians. Do not dwell on mistakes of yesterday. All of us need to remember the past cannot be changed.
We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17; “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Letting go of the past is one of the hardest things to do. Worry is one of the biggest problems anyone will ever face. People tend to hold on to past mistakes, regrets, guilt, hurt, or failures. Everyone needs to realize God allows such things to build you up to teach you that He is in control. I have always heard and found it to be true is that if God brings you to it, He will see you through it!
Dwight L. Moody once said, “Let God have your life; He can do more with it than you can.” What God has in store for you is never in the past.
Once you come to the realization that today is all you have, learn to make a difference. Absorb what you have and let it shine through your actions and your life. People will notice the change. You must be the first to let go of your past and lean on the Lord to guide you. Don’t be afraid to set an example of the new you!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your love and guidance. I pray that I can be an example of your grace and mercy and others can see this in me. Amen.
