Forgetting The Past – Looking Forward

I would like to repeat my post from last year at this time with a few additional thoughts.  I started to dwell upon my goal for 2010 and the Lord has impressed upon me to set the same goal as well as the same devotion.

“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT)

Paul had reason to forget the past – he had held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:57, 58, Paul called Saul here).  We have all done things for which we are ashamed, and we live under the pressure of what we have been and what we want to become.

As we come to the close of another year, many of us reflect upon the goals we had set for ourselves this past year. We may even “beat ourselves up” for not achieving those goals.  But since our hope is in Christ, we can let go of our guilt and look forward to what God will help us to achieve and become.  We need not dwell on our past mistakes or what we did not accomplish this past year.  Instead, let us grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on our relationship with Him now.  Let us realize that we are forgiven, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience.

I have multiple passions and left to my own devices I would tend to get over burdened and in turn not accomplish much of anything because I would have my hands in too many works for the Lord.  I have a passion for the underdog; the down and out; those with chronic illnesses; caregivers; and pastors and their families.  I have a passion for my own family to be Christ-like; serving Christ in a healthy church; to be healthy; and have good jobs; and a nice place to live. I have a passion to be a healthier me – spiritually, physically, and mentally.  Most of all I have a passion to see souls come to know Christ as their personal Savior and grow in Christ.

The entire above mentioned are virtuous passions, much needed ministries and even attainable goals, but I also know my limitations so I have chosen – with God’s leading, to set one main goal for 2011.  To know Christ more – to be more like Christ, to seek out and be all Christ desires of me.  Like an athlete in training, I must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract me from being an effective Christian.  If I set my sight on that one goal, then everything else in my life will fall into place.

Let us look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life in 2011, because of our hope in Christ our Savior.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:7 (NKJV)

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