Forget The Past – Look Forward
“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 set one goal for 2010. To know Christ more, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ had in mind for 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 2010, because of our hope in Christ our Savior.
Hi Michele, I love this post as I have tended to hold onto the past and allow it to keep me from where God wants me to be! These words ring true for me ‘ “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…” I have achieved some of my goals for this year. There were personal goals in terms of developing patience, controlling my anger, dealing with my depression and coping with fibromyalgia. I have visited your blog and look forward to ‘following’ you. Paula 🙂
This is so amazing. Every blog I go to is really speaking to me. Yours in no exception. This year has been such a difficult one for me. Thank you for reminding me that I need to let go of the past and move forward with Christ.
From my heart,
Sheryl
I don’t remember setting goals last year — if I did, I forgot about them – lol…
I want to stay close to Him in 2010 – no matter what happens around me in the new year 🙂
This was a great post Michele. Paul gives us a wonderful example as he is encouraging the Philippians, while writing from jail. It would be so easy for him to become discouraged but no, he was looking forward. I am studying Philippians right now and it’s the perfect place to be as we think of 2010.
I know the Lord has much in store for us. May we be united in our faith. I think our blogging community of sisters in Christ can impact many this next year.
Love,
Debbie
Amen! Joining with you on this goal….
I am so glad the Lord “forgives and forgets” our past…and does not hold it over our heads…..
One goal for 2010… I love that idea and the goal.