We often hear folks complain about the present (not ourselves, of course, but others) and long for earlier times. You know, how it was better in “the good old days.” Things were simpler, prices were lower,
life was slower, the air was cleaner, the bread was fresher, and the roads weren’t nearly as crowded.
The list goes on with variations, of course, including how families were more cohesive, marriages and careers spanned decades instead of months, people took pride in their work, kept their word, etc., etc. We’ve heard all of it before, for hardly anything is easier than being critical about life. It’s the disease of discontent, and we know its symptoms.
In light of this, it’s interesting to note that the Bible makes a very pointed statement about praising the past. You might remember Solomon’s warning from Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NIV):
“Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’
For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.”
We read the convicting words, and accept the admonition. But Solomon does not answer the question as to WHY it’s not wise to praise the past. WHY is it foolish to say that “the former days are better than these”? May I venture a guess (or two)?
Could it be that our discontented souls are easily convinced that any time was better, and any problems easier, than our present time and our current burdens?
Could it be that our imaginations conveniently block from our memories the things that were actually worse in bygone days, things like health care, communication options, food availability, and transportation?
Could it be that our love for ease and fear of discomfort make old times seem better simply because we have lived through past difficulties, but still face future difficulties unknown?
Whatever the reason, it’s better to join the Apostle Paul in setting aside the past, whatever it was, and reaching for the future to which God calls us:
“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. . .”
Philippians 3:13