By: Jiloml
“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. "(NIV) Philippians 3: 13, 15
Bible reading: Philippians 3: 12-15
If we want to develop qualities that make us effective in the house of God then the Apostle Paul is admonishing us on one of the most important attitude we need to cultivate.
As Christians we have to always possess a mindset that is always reaching out for the goal. Paul took upon himself to look beyond the “pride rock” he had already reached. He was determined to strain towards what is ahead; the ultimate prize from God which will be given in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ.
If we want to work effectively for God for the same prize, then we need to forget the past experiences that might have shattered our lives and focus on Christ. It doesn’t mean that we cannot learn from those experiences. Instead, as we learn from them, we shouldn’t allow them to tie us down, discourage or make us complacent.
It should rather strengthen us and cause us to strain for the prize of heaven ahead of us. We should always remember not to work out with our own strength but look up to Christ for the battle is neither for the strong nor the race for the swift -Ecclesiastes 9:11. It is only through Christ that we can reach for the Goal.
What is past doesn’t matter; reaching for the goal is what matters a lot.
Hymn: I'm pressing on the upward way
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
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