In the words of the Bible we are told that we can forget what lies behind and we can press on to the good things that are ahead.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says if anybody is in Christ, he is a new creature.

Old things can pass away. All things can become brand new. This in principle is really good news. It's really good news for people to know and realise that one doesn't have to live in the past, particularly moving into a new year.

Regardless of what one thinks of the Bible, the principle of the old passing away, has some validity.

I see many living in the past, living off long time feelings of hate and are not focused enough on the present and moving forward.

 “moving forward”. Straight from the truly awful Julia Gillard who started that really irritating phrase and turned it into a cliché, and done to death by people incapable of thinking for themselves.

Remembering the past and teaching the young lessons from the past is not living in the past. People who don't remember the past and learn from it are living in limbo; they have nothing to judge the present against. It's all hit and miss. That's why we are swimming blindly in crap today, or at least the idiots making the decisions are swimming in crap.

The topics of redemption and salvation agree with you NathanJ. At least with regards to both guilt and forgiveness. But there is a limit. I'm not saying this because I disagree with that you've said so far, but to put a boundary on how to apply "all things new." Jesus said that no word in the scriptures will change until all things are finished in them. And He also said that His words will not pass away, (though everything else will).

Just wanted to put that boundary on the topic in place so that (if it's agreed on) we can focus on what it means to be a new creation. Or to be renuewed by the Holy Spirit. It's a big enough topic and very encouraging from the stories I've heard from many others. How God changed them, molded them (slowly or quickly) and how God can redeme us, so we should pass on that love to others too. Too much of a topic to try and sumerize every thing, but I look forward to see where this topic goes.

Being made new indeed. :)

It just went downhill.

<<Straight from the truly awful Julia Gillard who started that really irritating phrase and turned it into a cliché, and done to death by people incapable of thinking for themselves.>>

Julia Gillard is a relic. Her influence on the direction of Australia, is little to non existent.

<<Remembering the past and teaching the young lessons from the past is not living in the past.>>

Teaching and living are two totally different idioms. Teaching in principle if undertaken with objectivity can be fair, but without that principle in place it is not.

So if someone is living in the past or has feelings of hatred, their ability to teach or speak on any matter with objectivity may be limited.

<<People who don't remember the past and learn from it are living in limbo; they have nothing to judge the present against.>>

There is a difference between remembering the past and living within the past. New reflections are vital for individuals to take on, but this requires the skill of reflection, a challenge many are not willing to take on.

Avoiding reflection, makes a situation much easier to blame others. These can fit into categories and can include now common terms like the stolen generation, invasion day, areas of sexual abuse, a bad childhood, poor education etc.

Whilst I am not trivialising any of these situations, one must decide if focusing on these matters on a regular basis is of any benefit to themselves and their overall life.

<<It's all hit and miss. That's why we are swimming blindly in crap today, or at least the idiots making the decisions are swimming in crap.>>

The people making the decisions and swimming in crap are simply one person.... themselves. Some people may need help getting out of this mindset and that is where seeking help from others is vital. It may include friends, family, community groups or even as some put on this site.... God.

ttbn

The past is full of lies. The history of the past are all made up stories which do not lead us to anywhere.
It appears that man does not learn any lesson from the past.How do we see the same mistakes being committed again and again?History is useful only as subject in educational institutions. Otherwise it does not serve any useful purpose. Let us analyse the present more seriously and build our future.