Philippians 3:13-14  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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

As we contemplate the new year let’s purpose to make it a year of walking with God. Let’s do things on purpose with a purpose. Paul speaks of reaching forth and pressing toward the mark. Effort and decisions are involved. We must not be satisfied with the mediocre. Let’s from our hearts live to please God and serve Him.

Though Paul had received much of the grace of God, he didn’t presume upon his past accomplishments. He intended to finish well. He still had work to do for the Lord. He could have rationalized quitting and giving up. He wrote this from a Roman prison. Many had forsaken him. He had reason to be discouraged and depressed. As he sat alone in his prison cell, he could have allowed many negative thoughts to take possession of him.  But he didn’t. Instead, he studied, wrote letters, and prayed. He had a high calling. Later, he asks Timothy to bring him the books and parchments (2 Tim. 4:13). Why would he need the books and parchments if he wasn’t still desiring to please God with his life to the end?

If you have regrets or bitterness from this past year, then make Christ your focus. We have a high calling. Make the Bible and Christ your meditation. If you are looking forward with the goal of serving and pleasing God, then much of the past will be forgotten. We can’t just think about forgetting the past. We must go forward in our Christian life. We must not stop growing and moving forward. In the end, we will receive the prize!

In this same letter Paul wrote:

Philippians 4:8-9  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Have a happy and blessed New Year!

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry