Calendar

FORGETTING THE PAST
THURSDAY, JUNE 1
Philippians 3:13-14

Hebrews 12:1-11

 

“…forgetting those things

which are behind…”

 

FORGETTING THE PAST
 
Many things in our past may hold us back. There may be sins committed, bad experiences, worldly desires, or carnal mindsets that hinder our spiritual walk. We may lament that we were not Christians when we were younger and did not have a strong foundation in spiritual things; we may keep looking back at grievous sins we had committed and never fully resolved; we may have had certain bad relationships in the past that we still feel bitter about. Because of these things, we may sometimes feel “handicapped” in our walk with the Lord, and feel that we can never progress beyond being babes in Christ.
 
Paul, too, had his share of “baggage.” He often remembered how he so zealously persecuted Christians and described himself as a chief of sinners (1 Tim 1:15). He was ashamed of how he was a proud Pharisee who had confidence in his flesh. Yet, he refused to make excuses. He endeavoured to ensure that what remained of his life was not wasted, but was one that was useful to the Lord who had so graciously saved him.
 
Therefore, he was “forgetting those things which are behind” (Phil 3:13). He knew he had to put his sinful past behind him and focus on that which was ahead. Like a runner who has to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” (Heb 12:1), he sought to run without the hindrances of the past to hold him back. He had already put all that baggage aside, and continued to count them as dung, refusing to dwell on them or make excuses for any lack of spiritual progress. As Jesus taught His disciples in Luke 9:62, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” We too must put aside any sinful desires or hindrances of the past, and look ahead to the life that we now have in Christ. There is indeed much to look forward to, and much to live for!
 
THOUGHT: What are some things in my life that I should forget?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou grant me the grace to lay aside any issues from my past that are hindering my spiritual walk in the present.

Search