Release From Past Negative Influence

We tend to interpret the present in light of the past. By failing to put down the baggage accumulated in the past, we restrict our potential for spiritual growth.

Consider bitterness. One general characteristic of today is resentment of authority. There are many admirable exceptions to this fortunately. It is, however, a trait of the era in general. Over the years we have developed a root of bitterness regarding authority and it colors all of life. Who is the ultimate authority? The Lord Himself. Even those who know Him as Savior often resent His authority over them and do not comply with His teachings as recorded in God’s Word.

All people need to be alert to the danger of being caught in the web of bitter people. Bitter people may smile and use pleasant tones, but they manipulate others by pushing their emotional buttons and bringing out the worst in them. We must resist the bitter person’s attempts to pull us into their traps of anger, non-cooperation, and complaint. 

God is not pleased with the root of bitterness which He says causes “deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.” (Hebrews 12: 15)

The full text says, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by this many become defiled.”

Following is an abhorrent thought regarding past baggage. Often the Scripture uses a graphic repulsive image to help our understanding. Romans 7: 24 is such a reference. “Who shall deliver me from this body of death?” This refers to a Roman law well known in that era. If a person committed murder, the body of the victim was strapped to the back of the murderer with wet leather ties which drys and becomes even tighter. The body of the victim was left there to go through the process of decay. Naturally it infected the body of the murderer. This unpleasant image gives some indication of the influence our old spiritually decaying nature has on us. Our old sin nature should be considered just as heinous.

Is it time for you to consider having the funeral of your past bitterness, anger, hurts, and resentments?

Christ buried the baggage of our sins in the depth of the sea. Won’t you?

Because of all the negative imprints in your life, because of all the negatives that built up and accrued through the years, because of all your sins and shortcomings, now is time to renounce the negatives in your past. Perhaps you need to pray:

“As a child of God, purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, I here and now renounce and repudiate all the sins of my ancestors and their influence on me. I joyously and voluntarily put myself under the controlling influence of Jesus Christ and denounce the negative powers of my family, friends, or Satan.”