Lesson from Philippians 3:13

Philippians 3:13

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things  which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul has used the analogy of a runner who focuses on the goal ahead of him. This prevents distractions and stumbling. Paul's spiritual goal is stated directly here: "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

As verse 13 notes, Paul's focus is on forward momentum, not prior mistakes. A person cannot move ahead if their thoughts and vision are focused on the past. Paul has a clear goal: being in heaven with the Lord. He looks forward to the ultimate reward for his faithful service. This prize is to be with Christ, though there is some uncertainty about what he specifically meant, in the context of this remark.

Although Christians are called to be like Christ, we continue to make mistakes. We have not "arrived" yet. We fail. In fact, we'll never obtain complete sanctification until we stand before the Lord. But, God uses our imperfections to "grow us" in faith.

We have a problem to deal with called "the flesh." Our flesh pulls us toward sin and away from the prize of the upward call. Our flesh keeps us painfully aware of our need to diligently press on toward the goal.

The Apostle Paul was laser-focused on the race, the goal, the finish line. Like an Olympian runner, he would not look back at his failures. Now, remember, Paul was Saul who persecuted the church violently. He played a part in the stoning of Stephen, and he could have let guilt and shame cripple him for that. But Paul forgot the past. He didn't dwell on his sufferings, beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. He looked forward resolutely toward the finish line where he would see the face of Jesus Christ.

The author of the book of Hebrews, possibly Paul, made a similar statement in Hebrews 12:1-2:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ( NIV)
Paul knew that God alone was the source of his salvation as well as the source of his spiritual growth. The closer we get to completion, the more we realize how much further we have to go to become like Christ.

So, be encouraged by Paul's emphasis here on forgetting the past and straining forward to what lies ahead. Don't let yesterday's failures derail you from the goal of your upward call. Press on for the prize until you meet the Lord Jesus at the finish line.