We all know someone whose past defines them.

The immense burden of past sin and failure limits their future potential and destines this person to repeat the same mistakes. They walk with slumped shoulders and a fallen gaze, like someone who has lost all hope.

The mere suggestion that they could step into a new calling or identity seems laughable to them, who are shackled to the mistakes of their past and ruled by them.

Similarly, we all know that person who revels in the history of their past achievements. They base their identity upon some past philanthropic feat, or great achievement, that no one else remembers.

Living in the past, these people forsake their own pursuit of goodness and faithfulness in the present.

These people are ruled by their past, which inhibits their ability to pursue righteousness and justice in the present.

Rebuking both of these approaches, Ezekiel encourages us all to live in the present.

According to Ezekiel, those who have committed wickedness in the past will live, if they turn from their evil ways, and pursue righteousness.

The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him when he transgresses, and as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall by it when he turns from his wickedness, and the righteous shall not be able to live by his righteousness when he sins. Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die. – Ezekiel 33:12-13

Regardless of our past mistakes, we all possess the ability to change the trajectory of our lives by choosing righteousness and goodness in the present.

While the consequences of past mistakes may still haunt us, choosing the path of righteousness today will produce the fruit of peace and joy in the future.

But the righteous person, who falls into iniquity, will be judged for their sin. In other words, a lifetime of righteous behaviour will not save us from the consequences of sin.

Ezekiel challenges us to seize the present moment, no longer allowing our past lives to set the trajectory of our future.

The past need not define us or our relationships with others. It should not hinder our pursuit of life and peace in the present.

The cross of Christ emancipates us from our past sins and failings and empowers us to boldly step forward into a new life.

Only through the pursuit of righteousness and goodness in the present, can we build a better world for ourselves and those around us.

• Dr Simon Skidmore is a Brisbane-based biblical scholar and educator. He is the creator of The Mimetic Exegete podcast, which applies mimetic theory to biblical texts, offering unique insights and practical applications. His recent book, Capital Punishment in the Pentateuch, explores ritual killing through René Girard’s mimetic theory.
• Flashes of Insight is an international publication. The editorial policy is that spelling reflects the country of origin.