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Learn from The Past, Look to The Future
John TiltonPhilippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,but I press on to take holdof that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.13Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behindand straining toward what is ahead,14I press ontoward the goal to win the prizefor which God has calledme heavenward in Christ Jesus.
As Paul speaks in this chapter of his desire to grow in Christ and through faith in Christ, his desire to know Him, His power and especially all that Christ has suffered; Paul realizes that he has not arrived, but instead has a way to go, having to press forward in his quest to realize ALL that Christ took hold and meant for Him. I love Paul’s realization that in order to do so, he must press forward and on toward the goal and prize set by God, heavenward in Christ Jesus, and not look back to the past.
These scriptures speak to me of the journey and race that lies ahead in my desire to reach the goal Christ has set for me in my call and my growth in Christ, not looking back and being dogged by the past, or dwelling in the past. Things in the past may help me avoid challenges and roadblocks in the future, but my eyes must be set on navigating the journey ahead rather then dwelling in the past. I know that God’s Word is such an integral part in applying my past biblically, applying the lessons of mentors of the Bible, all in the ability to navigate what God would have for me in running the race and reaching the goal line that He has set before me.
I think of the races of New Hope and our colleges. When we think, we’ve arrived, matters arise that we need to content with, that if we follow God through the situations, he grows us, even if the situations seem dire and a challenge.
Dear Lord, may you guide me daily by the Holy Spirit to keep my eyes focused on what your call is on my life and all that I must do, looking to the past only to learn from my mistakes, yet looking to the future through your Word in winning the race, each day as I desire to grow in you as you have called me heavenward.
