yesteryears

Say not, "Why were the former days better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

- Ecclesiastes 7:10, ESV

 

There is a tendency embedded deep within the human soul to long for the “good old days.” Even in the relatively-brief span of my 27 years, I find this to be true. How easy it is to lay side-by-side in my mind the past state of things and those of the present, and declare the former better than the latter! I have often wondered why our memories become gilded, particularly when I consider the troubles that coexisted with what I remember so fondly. Perhaps there is truth to be found in the old adages, “time heals all wounds,” and “[chronological] distance makes the heart grow fonder.”

 

Psychologically speaking, this disposition is understood as a loophole of sorts. Psychologists cite a “powerful psychological payoff for holding onto the past,” suggesting that it “allows people to avoid personal responsibility” (Carl Alasko, Ph.D., Psychology Today). In a very real sense, it is an escapist mentality which enables us to avoid the pressing issues of the moment.

 

Whatever the underlying motive may be, Scripture pointedly states it is both unhealthy and foolish. A different translation has it this way: “Don't always be asking, ‘Where are the good old days?’ Wise folks don't ask questions like that” (The Message). And this is not an isolated occurrence either. Paul also understood the value of living in the present:

 

I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT)

 

It is significant that the Apostle Paul, arguably the foremost evangelist and church planter who ever lived, was intentional in doing the exact opposite of the behavior in which we so frequently indulge. Instead of glorifying the past at the expense of the present and future, he disregarded the past so he could concentrate all his energies on his present course and attain a future glory. Not only so, but he was quick to admit his own culpability (“I am still not all I should be”) – precisely what we endeavor to avoid. Perhaps Paul’s great success in planting, growing, and sustaining thriving churches was, in part, due to this outlook.

At the other end of the spectrum, could it be that this pernicious human bent is at the root of church mortality? It is indeed. I recently read an article written by a professional church consultant entitled Autopsy of a Deceased Church. In it, the author, Thom S. Rainer, made the following statement about a now-dead church: “The members idolized another era… They saw their future to be returning to the past.”

 

Should we summarily dismiss our heritage? Absolutely not! Scripture also clearly emphasizes the importance of remembering where we have been (Deuteronomy 6:6-12; Isaiah 46:9). The point is that we cannot anchor ourselves to that past because doing so would hinder forward progress. God is not merely God of the then; he is God of the now and the will be. Jesus is the one “who is and who was and who is to come” (Revelation 1:4, ESV). So while we can warmly remember things of old and learn from them, we cannot afford to ignore the realities of today.

 

Let us attend to God’s words, penned by the Prophet Isaiah: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (43:18-19, ESV). And in our doing so, God promises to bring life to the dry and barren places among us.