If you are ever feeling rather good about your personal character then read The Ten Commandments. It is usually a good ego buster. The Ten Commandments were given by God to the nation of Israel as a guide to righteous living but more importantly as a pointer to Jesus Christ and God’s law of Grace. If we measure our lives by the commandments we will soon see we are not good…as it measures goodness. It shows us our common need for a redeemer. It exposes our character flaws.
Failed Character Issues is usually the first and most often “dance” we like to have with past skeletons. Maybe your past character flaw is a terrible lie or little white lies you tell to your spouse or parents; maybe you stole from work, a store or….from God; you might have filed bankruptcy or just didn’t pay your bills; you may have been fired from a job because you were always late or were a slacker; maybe you had a substance abuse problem or you had problems gossiping. Whatever it was or is, it continues to plaque you and you remember it oftenSo, how do we get rid of this dance card? How do we move forward?
First, know that everyone has had past character issues. Our measure of goodness isn’t based on others, but God did say, “there is none good, no not one”. If we didn’t have character issues, we wouldn’t need a Saviour.
Second, the failures of the past belong in the past, however, past failures should teach us how to have future victories. Although God forgets our sin, we are incapable. That is a good thing! God wants us to remember our mistakes and the hurt they caused as an aid to keep us from doing it again.
Third, God said when your surrender to Him, He “will begin a new work in you”. Your past does not need to be an anchor in your life. Paul said in Philippians that he “forgets the past and presses toward the future for a greater reward”. God doesn’t look for what we can do with our character, but He does want to transform our character into the image of Jesus. He will help and He will be there with you.
God said in 1 John 1:8-9, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” You character failures of the past were never hidden from God, but He did say if you repent He will forgive.
Accept that forgiveness today and move forward to a better life. When God begins to develop the character of Christ in our lives, people will see something far greater that any of our past mistakes.
Be Forgiven!
Bryan
www.imforgiven.com
