Discouraged by the Past
Are there days when you can't seem to forget you were once a sinner? It will affect how you do your job and how you live your life. We have all sinned and some of us sinned in a huge way. If we spend time thinking about our past sin (before we were saved through Jesus Christ), we can begin to think our actions on behalf of God, in the work place, are not worthy. Looking back is Satan working in your thoughts and heart.
Paul talks to Timothy in II Timothy 4:6-8 - "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
Paul did some of the worst sins against Christ. He did it with gusto and a vengeance because he thought he was doing what was right. After his conversion, he always faced forward. With his past, he could have spent his lifetime bemoaning all the wrong he had committed against his fellow man and against God. But, at the time where he was looking at the end of his life on earth, he looked forward. Plain and simple, he kept his sight upon the righteousness of his actions today and in the future. He kept his sight on the reward. Not easy for a man who went from "king of the hill" to persecuted and humbled even through death.
When you start thinking of your past sin and wallowing in that ugly pit, remember Paul. Once you have laid those sins away through God's forgiveness, use your energy building a life that mirrors one forgiven. No matter what happens at your work place, stay the course of faithful devotion to the Lord.
When Satan reminds you of past sin, look forward to your future with the Lord. Hold your head up Christian, you are to mirror Christ. Do not be detoured from His mission for you in the work place. His reward is great.
Paul talks to Timothy in II Timothy 4:6-8 - "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
Paul did some of the worst sins against Christ. He did it with gusto and a vengeance because he thought he was doing what was right. After his conversion, he always faced forward. With his past, he could have spent his lifetime bemoaning all the wrong he had committed against his fellow man and against God. But, at the time where he was looking at the end of his life on earth, he looked forward. Plain and simple, he kept his sight upon the righteousness of his actions today and in the future. He kept his sight on the reward. Not easy for a man who went from "king of the hill" to persecuted and humbled even through death.
When you start thinking of your past sin and wallowing in that ugly pit, remember Paul. Once you have laid those sins away through God's forgiveness, use your energy building a life that mirrors one forgiven. No matter what happens at your work place, stay the course of faithful devotion to the Lord.
When Satan reminds you of past sin, look forward to your future with the Lord. Hold your head up Christian, you are to mirror Christ. Do not be detoured from His mission for you in the work place. His reward is great.
posted by Diane Gibson at
6:53 PM
