Today, my church started a new series called "defined." Naturally, the goal of the series is to discuss what defines us as Christians. I am intrigued to see where this sermon series will end up. It is my hope that we will eventually discuss the doctrinal issues that define us as Christians. Nevertheless, today the topic of discussion dealt with how, or if, our past defines us. More specifically, it discussed the role of guilt that follows any type of error or shortcoming. Guilt can be suffocating and crippling, locking us in a cycle devoid of hope. On the other hand, God can use guilt to motivate one to repentance and in time salvation. All of this is true.
As I sat there listening, I could not help but ponder the relationship between our guilt, our past, and what defines us. Does salvation from guilt translate to severing our present and future from our past? Are we, or should we, be "defined by our past?"
Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that we are, on one level, "defined by our past." I don't think our salvation from guilt and sin should be totally severed from our present and future. Our overcoming of guilt, our dealing with our past sins and shortcomings should not equal the rejection of our past. I believe that even a redeemed past "defines us." If our past is a part of "our story," and if "our story" largely defines us, then our past--no matter how egregious and scary is was--defines us, at least partially. Is this not the rationale behind giving a testimony?
The beauty of redemption is that it ensures that our past defines us in a controlled, qualified manner. On this side of redemption, our past never cripples us, and it certainly does not have the last word. However, if we are honest with ourselves, there is an irony in all of this. Every time we tell "our story," give our testimony, we relive the guilt and shortcomings of our past, and there is always the chance that it will cause more pain.
Now this is one of the reasons why I am a proponent of Wesleyan theology, with its emphasis upon the victory over sin and the effects of sin. You see, the redemptive and nourishing power of the Holy Spirit is so great, so powerful, that we do not have to live in fear that the guilt and errors of our past will once again consume us. Daily we allow the grace and power of the Holy Spirit to drive us onward, allowing our past to be a powerful testimony for the victorious power of the Spirit.
As I sat there listening, I could not help but ponder the relationship between our guilt, our past, and what defines us. Does salvation from guilt translate to severing our present and future from our past? Are we, or should we, be "defined by our past?"
Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that we are, on one level, "defined by our past." I don't think our salvation from guilt and sin should be totally severed from our present and future. Our overcoming of guilt, our dealing with our past sins and shortcomings should not equal the rejection of our past. I believe that even a redeemed past "defines us." If our past is a part of "our story," and if "our story" largely defines us, then our past--no matter how egregious and scary is was--defines us, at least partially. Is this not the rationale behind giving a testimony?
The beauty of redemption is that it ensures that our past defines us in a controlled, qualified manner. On this side of redemption, our past never cripples us, and it certainly does not have the last word. However, if we are honest with ourselves, there is an irony in all of this. Every time we tell "our story," give our testimony, we relive the guilt and shortcomings of our past, and there is always the chance that it will cause more pain.
Now this is one of the reasons why I am a proponent of Wesleyan theology, with its emphasis upon the victory over sin and the effects of sin. You see, the redemptive and nourishing power of the Holy Spirit is so great, so powerful, that we do not have to live in fear that the guilt and errors of our past will once again consume us. Daily we allow the grace and power of the Holy Spirit to drive us onward, allowing our past to be a powerful testimony for the victorious power of the Spirit.
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