Scripture: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.” Philippians 3:13-15
Reflection: Don’t dwell in the past looking back at past relationships, memories, failures, temptations, or anything that might distract from a single-minded focus on “the upward call of God in Christ.” Dwelling in the past is tactic of the enemy that will distract you from your calling.
To win the race, a runner must dismiss every distraction from his mind. He must not rehash every early misstep or dwell on the mistakes along his course. When it comes to forward motion, our bodies tend to move automatically toward the place where our eyes are directed; a runner who keeps turning back to see what is behind him will lose his race. “Forgetting those things which are behind” means throwing aside “every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up” and running “with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The Christian life is lived with our eyes facing forward on Jesus Christ. He is our ultimate priority. Our highest goal is to know Him better. We can’t grow in Him and obey His call if we are dwelling behind. Don’t dwell in the past, you don’t belong there anymore. Press forward, keep your eyes on Jesus and don’t look back. Be who God has called you to be.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your grace that is found in Christ Jesus. I ask for Your guidance as I strive to “forget those things which are behind” and not dwell in the past. Help me to not let my focus shift to the past and guide me to press forward toward the goal of Your high calling. Grant me the strength to press on without distraction, and the grace to persevere through any obstacles that may come my way. In Jesus name, Amen.