Stepping Stones: What If You Could Change the Past?

Transformational Thought

I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid and still am as an adult … just the original though, with Kirk and Spock. To me, they were the best dynamic duo, hero and sidekick, ever created. In every episode they would take on challenges and enemies from around the multiverse as well as demons from within themselves. Kirk and Spock would beat them in less than 60 minutes, every time!

I especially loved the episodes where Kirk and Spock went back in time and did something (usually something good) that would significantly affect the future, which was Spock and Kirk’s present before they went back in time. The ripples of their actions usually messed up their “present time” lives and often threw everything off balance, wrecking the whole world. Then they had to figure out how to go back in the past, undo what they thought was a good deed, so their present and future would be OK.

Our own selfish desires, limited knowledge, and continuous need to avoid pain and discomfort can lead us into the same trap as Kirk and Spock. We can spend lots of time thinking about what we would like to change from our past so life could be better now. Of course, none of us can go back. Even if you could, you don’t know how much damage that would create. So, forget what is behind you and focus on what you need to do now.

God forgave you when you accepted Christ’s death for your mistakes and sins. Walk your personal stepping-stones, one at a time, toward the prize that has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, every step toward a Christ-like life is awesome progress in God’s eyes.

Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past, comes to your mind, grab the remote control for your brain and switch to the channel broadcasting Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and the freedom His resurrection brings you. Do you know where the remote control for your brain is? Your remote control is your decision-making skills. That’s why we focus so much on the spiritual discipline of decision-making. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it can leave me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged, I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that You paid the price for my sinfulness. Remind me to be immune to the destruction of what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that’s within reach, the life to which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian. But I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is amazing progress. Help me today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In the name of the one with the perfect brain, Jesus’ victorious name, I pray; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14

The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
Proverbs 15:24