Many thanks to brother Walter Vogt for this picture!!!
Rear view mirrors are marvelous things; without them there would be many, many more car accidents!!! But using them too much is also a danger that should be avoided. It is very good to think about the past- to learn from it, but then MOVE ON!!! This same principle should be applied to our Christian life as well. The past is the past- whatever we used to be or do before we submitted to the Christ of God is over. Time to press on. I know this is true because the Bible tells me so in Paul's letter to the Philippians...
Philippians, Chapter 3
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh; 4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death; 11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.
Each day is a new day, filled with possibilities for spiritual growth. Our pre-Christian days may have seemed pleasant and enjoyable, but they are past. Our focus should not be on old sinful habits, but on a new life that abhors sin. Press on for this- try, really try to love and obey God more each day. Now, I know that I will never be perfect, but I am trying to be the best I can be. With God's help, today, starting right now, I intend to be the best I can be!!! Join with me in this commitment. Eyes forward- forget that rear view mirror- NOW!