January 15

Things To Be Left Behind

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. — Heb 12:1-2 BSB

Leave behind your past sins. They may be many and great, but if you have confessed and forsaken them, they are gone, "as far as the east is from the west." There is no point in dwelling on the past. God has buried it in Christ’s grave. Go, and sin no more!

Leave behind the bad habits that slow you down. You know what they are—anger, jealousy, pride, gossip, and others. These habits have tripped you up again and again, leaving your soul battered and torn. It's time for a decisive change. The Bible’s command to put off the old self speaks of a strong, sudden act of the will, empowered by God. Now is the time to break free. You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Leave behind even your past successes. The goals you once thought were unreachable have now been achieved. You sit on a peak that once seemed impossible to climb. But you cannot stay there. Look up, and you will see new heights calling you. Leave your past accomplishments behind, and press forward. Another battle awaits, another challenge lies ahead. Resting on past victories will only cause you to drift backward.

The best way to leave the past behind is to press on toward the future. The Spirit of God calls us to "run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." He is our Forerunner, always ahead of us, always leading. His banner flies in the thick of the battle. The more we focus on Him, the less we will think of what we leave behind. Like a runner stripping off extra weight to win the prize, so must we shed whatever holds us back. Run to win!

Prayer

Gracious God, quicken me by Your Holy Spirit, that I may run the race You have set for me. Keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and may I follow Him with all my heart. Amen.