—forgetting those things which are behind–I press toward the mark for the prize—Philippians 3:13-14
In these wonderful verses we see Paul’s past, his proclamation, and his pursuit. Then in the next verses we see his plea–setting himself forth as an example.
That dear old apostle refused to allow anything in his past divert his attention and dim his vision of the prize before him. That is really rather amazing when you consider all of the things from his past that he could have been thinking about– his abilities, his accomplishments, his authority, his associates, his adversaries, his afflictions, etc. Yet he was looking ahead to “the prize of the high calling”. And he wasn’t just looking, he was reaching–straining with all his might to gain what God had for him.
Paul was no quitter, nor loafer, nor coaster. He had a fixed purpose and a burning desire to fulfill it. He was willing to pay the price regardless of the circumstances, cost, conditions, or consequences. Although he had learned to be content in whatever state he was in (Phil.4:11) he was not content to remain as he was as a person.
Some of us need to get past the past! Although we can learn from it we must never be controlled by it. We would do well to learn from the example of Paul. If you’re going to build momentum for a better future you’ve got to get rid of the ball and chain of your past. As Lehman Strauss wrote,” There is no bright future for the Christian who wastes time dwelling on the past.”
Winston Churchill was right when he said,”We must learn to accept the past as unalterable and move on.” Good advice! And, Paul proved that it can be done. God records this information about Paul to inspire us, not so we can idolize him. He wants us to see what He can do in our life. Regardless of your past, God can give us a glorious future. That’s where our attention needs to be.
