ARE YOU CHAINED TO THE PAST?

Monday: October 26, 2020

Ephesians 5:8 For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Tenses in grammar may seem like ordinary rules of language when in action, but when students not of languages, but of life consider them in depth, they take on an entirely new dimension and perspective. Today, Paul uses tenses to teach the Ephesians a valuable lesson and bring a key principle to their memory. He highlights who they were in the past and proceeds to establish their present identity, who they are.

It is worth noting that indeed the actions and decisions of the past do have an expression in our current realities. However, does tie us down to that past- who we were and who we are do not have to be the same. But for many, the past remains an insurmountable mountain that continues to find expression even in their present realities. The past has become an anchor preventing their ships from sailing off.

Sweetheart, the statements that follow are not commands, they are suggestions that can improve your relationship to the past:

• Don’t let the darkness of yesterday cover the light of today,
• Don’t let the mistakes of yesterday halt your advance today,
• Don’t permit the errors of the past smother your ideas about the present and;
• Don’t allow the tears of yesterday steal the joys and smiles of today.

Who you were and who you are now are not the same. Circumstances have changed, seasons have changed, encounters have happened. You are not who who you were! That statement alone should be starting point that begins to unshackle the chains of the past to free you for forward advance.

#sly