October 18, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

The ‘Peter’ In All Of Us

Your past or your future? That choice lies in front of us each day. After Peter failed in confirming his knowledge and love for Christ, his friends rejected him. No one wanted Peter around after they learned how he denied Christ. His past was now defining his future.

So often the religious community is quick to judge and reject those who have failed. We spend more time and energy in throwing rocks of condemnation than offering forgiveness. I can tell you that those who rejects Jesus’ offer to forgive, which is contingent on finding forgiveness for yourself, will not be found in heaven.

I wrote an article in August that talked about letting go of our past, even if others will not allow you to forget it. I stated, “Our past hangs onto us. We refer back to our past so many times while we talk and what we are thinking about. We do not let go of the damage our past has caused us. This is sad!” I continued by saying, “I do know that one’s past does not have to keep determining one’s future. Christ does redeem us! The evil one seeks nothing else than to destroy each and every one of us, and he does this by reminding us of our past so we are unable to hope for a future.”

Your ability to respond to the will of God (your faith) directly applies to whether you acknowledge your past or acknowledge your future. After failing Christ, Peter wanted to undo what he had done. He struggled in finding forgiveness from others, within himself and from Christ. It was only after Christ finally reached out to him while he was fishing and asked him the question: “Do you love me? Then feed my sheep.”

Forgiveness requires action of service to Christ (not in finding forgiveness but in producing works worthy of repentance). Forgiveness requires a response on our part to not just forgive but to act. Today, what will your future look like? Will you wash away your sin in the blood of Christ and then do what Christ did on earth? Forgiveness is not good enough for salvation without service, the service of helping others (to love).

Christ is asking each of us to confront the Peter in all of us. Do not let your failures limit your service and love to Christ. Christ did not call any disciples to Him that were perfect, but men that were willing to find a future in Christ alone.

The ‘ghosts of past Peters’ can either haunt me for the rest of my life, or I can accept my future that is so bright and hopeful in Christ, it takes sunglasses to see it.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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