…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14).
My 60th birthday this past April caused me to do a lot of reflecting. Oh my! Such wonderful and sometimes painful memories. I’m sure Paul was an advocate for remembering – as every good, Biblical person is (!). I’m sure what Paul was forgetting was any past accolades or accomplishments or attainments of the Law or his heritage that he might have done; he was forgetting all of those and pressing on toward the ONE thing that he came to realize really matters in life – when all is said and done – and that is his relationship with his Maker. He was moving forward toward the prize of living for God, living in God and to living with God forever. That’s the prize, that’s the joy, that’s what it’s all about. Amen!
So, whatever “stuff” you might have in your past, or whatever messes you might be dealing with right now, you will still have to deal with them, but you can “forget” them in the sense that they don’t consume you or overwhelm you. And here’s the really wonderful part: as you focus on Christ and Christ within you, you begin to see from His perspective and these other things recede in importance, and lose their domination over you; you truly see from a different point of view as you turn your gaze toward Him and the future He has for you!
Love and prayers,
Cliff
CHURCH NEWS:
- I am so thankful for the 50 kids in Vacation Bible School this week and the 30+ volunteers!
- Our Costa Rica Mission Team leaves on Saturday, please keep them in your prayers.