Experiences

by an Old Disciple

One of Webster’s definitions for the word experience is, “the act of living through an event.” I emphasize the words “through” and “event.” An experience is not life; it is only a part of the whole. Experience is just that, an experience. You were never meant to dwell there, but to go on. God says to us what He said to Israel at Mt. Seir, “Ye have compassed this mountain long enough…” Or as the writer of Hebrews admonishes, “Therefore leaving…let us go on unto…” Paul tells us to forget the past (good or bad experiences), and press on from there. In our modern vernacular we’d say, “You need to move on with your life.”

It seems many have nothing to talk about except past experiences. Their entire life centers on some long ago hurt or victory. These types never accomplish anything constructive in the present. You can’t spend your time nourishing past experiences and expect to keep the present healthy and lively. If you’re not living in the now, then you’re a ghost from the past, attempting to resurrect something that ought to have been laid at rest. For goodness’ sake, whatever it was, let it lie in peace! I’m afraid too many of us are like Jacob, who allowed one bad experience (Joseph), to flavor the rest of his life and decisions.

I think with some Christians, that their experience is dearer to them than the Lord Himself. It might be wise for of us to remind ourselves that He is to be Lord of our experiences. Any experience not related to Him, is unproductive, and unprofitable, to say the very least. You’ll never learn anything from those types of experiences. Let’s cease embalming our experiences, and allow the Spirit of God to breathe new life into the present.

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