Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 ... "But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
This passage of scripture depicts the attitude of the apostle Paul as he evaluated himself in the context of Christ's perfect righteousness, and it also reveals his determination to reach for the skies, as it pertains to gaining the victory over every besetting sin. It is worthy of note that he was at this time filled with The Holy Ghost, but still did not think of himself as being perfect, with no more room to grow spiritually. If we were to closely examine ourselves in the light of the written and Living word, like Paul we will find that we always come up short, which then points us to our constant need and dependence in Christ. Furthermore, if we are saved in God's kingdom, we will continue to grow and expand throughout all eternity, for there will be no stage at which we can conclude that growth is history.
However, there is another dimension brought to view in the passage above, for Paul states that he "Forgets" those things which are behind. Forgetting those things which are behind does not mean that he forgets the experiences of the past, which are supposed to guide our feet and inform our decisions moving forward. What he means is that he does not allow past mistakes and shortcomings to discourage him from keeping his eyes on the prize, for if he were to dwell on past errors and sins, he would become disheartened and very disappointed in himself, and these attitudes would then take the wind out of his sail, if they were not resolutely routed and dismissed from his mind.
One of the things that are to be most dreaded in our Christian experience is that of constantly regurgitating old sins and bad experiences, until they begin to loom large and dark in our minds, thereby blinding us to the grace of God manifested in our lives by saving us from these very errors. When The Lord has granted us a new lease on life, we are to turn from our sinful ways and habits, by focusing on Christ and His word each day, while at the same time asking God for grace to keep moving forward and upward. But we should never let despondency get the better of us, by harboring remorse and resentment for past mistakes, for this is one of the fiery darts of satan which must be quenched with the shield of faith. Furthermore, The Lord commands us not to make mention of sins that have been repented of and forgiven, for they have been covered with the blood of Jesus, and are to be regarded as history. Let's read:
Ezekiel 33:14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. 16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.
Let us therefore use the mistakes of the past as stepping stones to climb to a higher round on Jacob's ladder, which reaches from earth to heaven. In other words, our gaze should be upwards and not downwards, for God is able to keep us from falling back into the iniquity from which He saved us. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reiterates this very point, and it is the will of God that this new year will find us progressing, and not retrogressing. Let's read:
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!