Summer time and vacations are upon us. While we look forward to them, if we don't make plans ahead of time we will be faced with a lot of No Vacancy signs along the roads.
Could this be the imagery we think of when reading Philippians 3:13, “…I focus on one
thing: Forgetting the past and looking
forward to what lies ahead. But we must
hold on to the progress we have already made.”
You might be thinking, “Where is the No Vacancy in
that??”
The purpose of a No Vacancy sign is to let those seeking lodging
know there is no room at that particular establishment.
Our past is a guest refusing to accept the No Vacancy sign and keeps
coming back looking for a place to stay.
Our memories can become entanglements preventing us from
moving out of our past and letting go of unhealthy patterns or behaviors in
order to make better decisions for our present and future.
To stay in our past can be strangely comforting. While we don’t like the end results at least we
know what to expect.
Paul tells us in the above passage it isn’t easy but
he focuses on “forgetting and looking
forward.” This takes a conscientious
effort and determination not to invite and entertain the past but rather celebrate
the change that comes from moving out of the past. Look at change as an unexpected rain shower
in the middle of summer, cleansing, refreshing and invigorating.
Once we deny our past a home we must then renew….restore…refurbish…replenish…(get
the point?) our minds with new. How do
we do that?
Paul puts it this way, “Fix your thoughts on what is
true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and
worthy of praise.”(Philippians 4:7)
To fix our thoughts means to determine and strengthen our
thought process and this takes practice.
“Those dominated by the sinful nature (which could be our past and its affects*)
think about sinful things (dwelling in
our past*), but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about
things that please the Spirit. So
letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads
to life and peace. But you are not controlled
by your sinful nature. You are controlled
by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you
have no
obligation to do what your sinful
nature urges you to do.” (Romans 8:5,6,9,12)
So when Mr. & Mrs. Past want to take up residence in
your mind stand firm to the progress you are making. You are under no obligation to let them
in. Flash the NO VACANCY sign and flex your
thought/mind muscle on truth.
*thoughts added
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