Movies like Elf, Home Alone, A Wonderful Life and Miracle of 34th Street have become an annual Christmas tradition for many American families. While some people have become dependent on these movies to get them into the Christmas spirit, there is another classic which reveals a painful truth. While fiction, Billy Murray’s version of Scrooged illuminates the fact that everyone has skeletons, ghosts of Christmas past.
Prior to 2012, I spent the previous 10 years in a bubble as a Christian school teacher, insulated from most of the temptations of this world. Although not perfect, cursing was minimal, most of my interactions with parents were civil and I shared similar values with my co-workers. Like the apostle Paul on his visit to Athens in Acts 17:16, 2012 has opened my eyes to the idols in our culture. These images bring me back to my life prior to knowing Jesus, attractive to things like Music Television, R-rated movies and anything sports related. These skeletons can haunt you, brought up by Satan just as ghosts haunted Billy Murray in Scrooged.
When attacked by these old desires, you have to flee or else ruin will follow, James 4:7. This escape is not complete until God cleanses your heart and mind, James 4:8. As you wrestle with your past, things like bad habits, past addictions, ungodly beliefs and soul spirit hurts, read passages like Galatians 2:20 and Philippians 1:21 to keep you on track. These biblical truths should refresh minds of your new identity in Christ. I can’t guarantee victory 100 % of the time, but I do hold fast to the promise of Romans 8:38-39 to insure success in the end. If you run with a Hebrews 12:1-3 attitude, you should be able to escape the ghosts of your past!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 