This one thing I do, forgetting what is behind … I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

There are three things we may need to forget as Christians that can hinder our pressing towards the prize. Firstly there is the guilt and shame we so often carry for things done in the past. These things can so easily cripple us. The second thing, the thing that Paul was talking about in this quote from Philippians 3: 13, 14, is our pride in our self accomplishment, our self-righteousness. We may not quickly see that this hinders our progress towards the prize. The third thing that may hinder, is the trauma of past events, abuse, betrayal, hurts etc. caused by others.

Before I say more, let me say first, that we need to understand “forget” as meaning that with His help we will no longer allow these things either to define us, or to affect our future. This is how God forgives us (Hebrews 10:17). And if this is to happen, it will not happened by suppressing the memory of the past. In each case there is work to be done, it’s called recovery and there are many Biblical and secular helps available. I have come to realize that the real task of sanctification is dealing with these things, the things in our lives that need to be dealt with!

When we have lived with guilt and shame for years, then embracing the reality that our sin is completely and totally covered by the blood of Jesus Christ can be a process, and sometimes forgiving ourself it is the hardest thing to do (Mark 12:31). Likewise coming to the place where we realize that all our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) can lead us to despair rather than salvation, but like Paul, we need to exchange our self-righteousness for His righteousness (verse 9). In the third case the road to healing is often long, but if it is not going to affect our future, then the healing that is promised will definitely need to be pursued. In particular, for our own sakes, we will need to begin or continue the process (self forgiveness included) of forgiving from the heart (Matthew 18:35).

Father, I have needed much help in this ongoing process of neither letting the past defined me, nor letting it cripple me. The verse that comes to mind speaks about our looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our salvation (Hebrews 12:2). Thank You Lord for the realizations that all I am talking about this morning only happens in relationship with You, and so we all - I do- need to draw closer to You and to stay close to You. I thank You again this morning Lord that all these things are possible in You. In Jesus Name Amen