Paul declared in Philippians 3:10 his desire to know God and “the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” He knew that living his life for the sake of Christ may result in him losing it, but he was convinced that a life lived for God would not be wasted. Lest anyone thought Paul had already attained Christlikeness or had fully accomplished that which God had called him to do, he informed them that he had not attained and was not perfect (3:12). Instead of being satisfied with his life, Paul pressed on to “lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” God’s desire was to use Paul in spreading the gospel and he was committed to fulfilling that purpose to which he had been called. It was possible for Paul to look back and see everything that he had already attained and feel as though he had served his time (3:13a); however, Paul chose to forget “those things which are behind” and reach “forward to those things which are ahead.” We cannot be satisfied with the past, nor can we be consumed by our past. As a person reflects on their life, there may be many accomplishments as well as many regrets. The past can never change so we must live for today and the future. Each day we must strive to be pure in our thoughts and actions and be consumed with doing God’s will on earth. Recognize that Christlikeness is a progression and don’t become frustrated by your failure or satisfied with your success. Humble yourself before God and allow Him to live through you. Believers can be the “hands and feet” of God and allow the lost world to see God, whom no one has ever seen, through our actions and attitudes (1 John 4:12).
Dear God, I realize You’ve allowed me to see good and bad things in my past, but may I not be consumed by what is behind me. Provide the strength for me to press forward and accomplish Your will in my life.
