In the temporal world, amnesia
is considered a sickness or condition to be treated; but not so
in regard to the eternal. If the processor of the new life
in CHRIST is to run at peak proficiency, there must come a crash
of the old man of sin. A terminal dose of carnal
Alzheimer's is the ticket to free up space for the HOLY
GHOST to renew our minds.
Memories are something
most of us cherish if good and regret if bad. Paul here
makes no such distinction, but simply says all
"those things" have to go.
In particular he refers to his spiritual pedigree mentioned in
3:5-6; but the spirit of the text suggests that anything and\or
everything which would impede your impetus for the LORD needs to
be hauled to the mental landfill now. "Hearken
... and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy
father's house" Not
only are we called of Scripture to purge ourselves of the excess
cerebral baggage; but the relationships of the cardio which
weigh us down must go as well. Forgetting "those things"
, says the inspired writers of HIS Word,
is critical to forward progress with HIS SON. Have you
counted all "those things"
B.C. in your life as dung? Too many of us are too hung up on
the past to be of any use to the SAVIOR in the present!
The reason we see the corporate body of CHRIST bound in heritage, and tradition,
and relations, to the paralysis of forward
momentum, is because it is comprised of individual believers
with like stultification. As a child of GOD,
you must discipline yourself to a perpetual house cleaning mode,
both mentally and emotionally; so that spiritually, HE is at
home, and at rule. Pray daily for this sanctified amnesia,
and shun at all costs the effort the Devil offers to cure it.
Surely eternity will
afford time to reflect, but for now our LORD cautions that focus
is in order:
" ... No man, having put his hand to
the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of GOD."