The Past Is Over

The past destroys relationships because people do not live in reality about the past. What's the truth? The past is OVER! Even though it's over, it's still controlling many people's thoughts, actions, and feelings. Consider how many countries, as well as individuals, are currently developing strategies, setting goals, and taking actions because of past events that still need to be resolved!

Acting Like a Victim

Being a Victim is easy, but you may need a few suggestions to become a better victim.

• Keep a detailed log of everything bad anyone has ever done to you.  Read the list daily and select at least two items to discuss that day.
• Never live for today or hope for tomorrow. Only focus on how you have been mistreated in the past.
• If you tire of thinking about how you have been mistreated, think of all the bad things you did to others, and believe that others will never forgive you, or if they did, they did not mean it
• Consume every day with what happened in the past, with “how it was”.  Never tire of bringing up the same issue repeatedly.

Those may be extreme, but you probably have done some of that. I know I have. Being a Victim requires a focus on the past, as if it is today – an attitude of wanting to change the past, which keeps the past in the present.

Remembering the past is not always a bad thing. Remembering how God has provided, protected, and blessed is a way to use the past wisely. In fact, in Hebrews it says –

“But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings…” – Hebrews 10:32

Too often, the opposite is true. We remember only the bad things. That destroys you by turning you into a victim who must be rescued.

Victims Cannot Be Helped

Remember, victims cannot be helped; they can only be rescued. If you find yourself complaining a lot, you probably have become a victim. There is another option. You can change by taking responsibility for your choices.

Victims say, “If everyone else would just get their act together, my life would be better.” So, why would they consider help? “It’s not my fault or my responsibility, it’s yours.” There is a lack of personal responsibility, resulting in a tendency to blame others for what is happening.

Therefore, when everyone around you makes the changes that you require of them, you will be RESCUED!

What a lousy way to live! Unfortunately, you will think that way, and the amount of time you stay there is dependent on how much you trust in a PERFECT God.