Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14
Key Verse: Philippians 3:13

     When I was a small child, I remember going on walks at night with my family around our neighborhood. One night in particular, I thought I would try to mimic the big kids and walk backwards so that I could see everyone while they were talking. I was so into the conversation that I was upset when my backwards walking made me crash into a light post. The light post was planted there long before I ever was and could have been easily avoided if I was paying attention to what was ahead of me. I wanted to be mad at everyone, for not warning me, and I was in so much pain. I just wanted to go home. Even though I didn’t realize it in the moment, this was my first lesson on letting go of the past. I had spent so much time focusing on what was behind me that I couldn’t prepare myself for what was ahead. In Philippians chapter 3, God reminds us to let go of our past so that we can prepare ourselves for the future He has designed for us.

     I think it is fair to say that we all have a past. Whether we are proud of it or not is a completely different conversation for another day. Right now, we need to acknowledge that our past and all of its highs and lows should be used as an example to learn from (v.7-8). Before we knew Christ, we had a different understanding of the world. We engaged in certain sins because they weren’t immediately or tangibly harmful without realizing that they were discrediting our character and impeding upon our salvation. Some of us spend a significant amount of time looking back on “the good ‘ole days.” We often get so wrapped up in the fantasies of the past that we run into avoidable obstacles placed in our future. Think about it. How many times have you “reconnected” with old friends who only tried to drag you back to your old sinful lifestyle and made the excuse that it was because you missed them? We cannot allow these relationships to hold weight in our lives. We have to value Christ above all.

     I know that I make it sound easy, but it all begins with faith (v.9). In series four, Understanding Faith, we unpacked why faith was significant and how to utilize it. Here again is one of those situations where having faith is crucial. We must have a deep-rooted desire to want to follow Christ and leave our sinful pasts behind. It can’t stop there though. It isn’t sufficient enough to do the right thing because anyone can do the right thing and not be saved. We must remember the relationship we developed with Christ to redirect our minds toward our future. 

     Then once you have refocused, you must remain humble (v.12). We will never be truly perfect because Jesus was and will forever be the only perfect person to roam the Earth. We are just striving to be more like Him every day. We are not throwing around our salvation as a cover up for our sinful past. But what we are saying is God has forgiven us of our mistakes so that is enough for us to forgive ourselves. We must acknowledge that this is just the beginning of a long journey that cannot be walked backwards (v.13). While there we be many cracks in the sidewalk that cannot be avoided, there will also be all kinds of preexisting light posts that we can avoid if we are looking ahead. Then one day we will be able to return home and it won’t be because we are hurting, but because the journey is complete (v.14). We will be able to reunite with those who have also had their eyes on their purpose and the path God has paved. However, it all begins with the decision to let go of the past.

     Prayer: Lord, thank you for this day. Thank you for the purpose you have placed in front of me and the path that you have paved for my life. Lord today I want to stop walking backwards. I am ready to focus on the prize you have for me. I want to place you above any and everything that used to be significant in my life. Lord as I am on this journey help me to keep my faith and remain humble as I grow. Use me for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.