Removing the Cord

"Destroy any paths leading to your past and make a clean break. Be fearless and focused on the Kingdom that is ahead of you and the One who holds the keys to your future." ~ Jonathan Cahn

As humans, we all make mistakes. None of us are perfect, and as imperfect beings, we stumble and fall many times along our way through life. Yes, we are bound to make poor choices, but instead of repenting of our sins, weaknesses, and shortcomings and moving on, many of us don't move on, or we do move on a little ways but drag the past along with us.

Even though the Lord forgives our sins and forgets them, we don't forget them, which is okay. It's right that we don't forget, because they are a reminder and a deterrent, hopefully swaying us not to repeat those offenses again. But in many cases, we unnecessarily drag the past around with us. Instead of overcoming, we let the past hang around our neck like a flaxen cord that we can't escape.

We need to understand that we do have an escape. God gave us that escape when He gave us His Son. Christ paid the escape fee, He paid our ransom, and our debt is clear. When we've truly repented and made a change in our life, we need to allow ourselves to move on and focus on that Kingdom that is ahead of us, not the crumbling city we left behind. We must not be like Lot's wife in the book of Genesis, who turned back to look with longing at the city God had just helped them escape. When she did this, her life was immediately forfeit, and for her, all was lost. Each time we look back on our old life, we lose a little more of ourselves and our growth is stunted.

The atonement of our Savior was gifted to us for a reason. When we truly apply it in our lives, we become strong enough to overcome all- all the poor choices, all the trials, all the pain, and all the regret. This is coming from a person who knows, so trust me on this.

As we begin this new year, may we all change the direction of our vision. May we intently fix our eyes on the glorious Kingdom ahead of us, not the abandoned, desolate city, state, country, island, etc. behind us. Now more than ever is the time to get our hearts, minds, and lives in order. We were given the means to do this long ago. That escape is ours for the taking. May we all vow to take the key offered, unlock the door, step through, then lock it behind us. If we walk through that door with our hand in the Savior's, there will be no danger of being pulled back through. He has promised this, and

He never goes back on His word.

Happy New Year!