Forgetting What Is Behind (Philippians 3:13-14)

The idea

Paul wrote this from a Roman prison, likely in chains, and it's one of his most hopeful passages. He admits he hasn't arrived. Then he says, "one thing I do." When we fall short, it's usually from a lack of focus, not a lack of effort. Forget what is behind, both his failure (he stood by when Stephen was stoned) and his success (he was a respected Pharisee), and strain toward what is ahead. The Greek picture is total effort, like pushing out one last rep. A windshield is bigger than a rearview mirror for a reason. The mirror shows where you've been, but you can't change it.

Take it with you

• Pick one thing and give it your full effort.
• Learn from yesterday, then stop replaying it.
• God keeps no record of wrongs, so you don't have to either.

Reflect

Which yesterday are you still carrying?