Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
From a conversation with Preacher Clark in the 1970’s
The flesh is a creature of habit. Once this body becomes used to a certain thing, it automatically is drawn toward it again and again. I remember the instance when, many years ago now, my father moved the clock on the wall in his office to a different place on the wall. It had been in the old place for years, and now, even though it had been moved, my eyes kept returning to that old place to see what time it was. Seeing this, my father remarked, “The truth will keep you from doing that.”
I remember thinking, “That is right. The ‘truth’ is that the clock is no longer there, and that is the reality which I want my body to deal with.” I don’t think I ever looked at the old spot on the wall again.
This is how we want to live in Christ, as Paul said he did, “forgetting those things that are behind.” You are not the same being that you were before Christ called you out of darkness. Forget that person. He is dead and buried with Christ in baptism, and a new creature has emerged. That is the real you. Do not allow anyone to rob you of that truth. You need to know where you are now, and remember that it is done. And there is no need to look back at the spot on the wall from which Christ moved you; you are no more there than Jesus is still on the cross of Calvary.