Forgetting #2154

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12–14, NKJV)

If remembering helps us fortify our resolve in the present, forgetting helps us forge our path to the future. Forgetting is often about not letting past achievements and failures to get in the way of our aspirations and objectives as we move toward our heavenly goal. Paul chose to “forget” his previous advancements in Judaism and the confidence in the flesh they could prompt (Phil. 3:3-8). (These advancements led him to persecute Christians.) By counting them as “rubbish,” he was determined to “gain Christ” (v. 8). Paul also chose to “forget” his progress as a Christian (Phil. 3:9-11). He refused to become apathetic and neglectful in his faith; He had not yet attained “to the resurrection from the dead” (v. 11). His service to Christ was not complete (perfected, v. 12). He would keep moving forward toward the eternal prize while blessed with the “righteousness which is from God by faith” (Phil. 3:9, 12; Gal. 2:20). Like Paul, let us not put our confidence in the flesh and be deterred from “reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (v. 14). May we live for heaven while we live on earth.

Do not Forget #495

1  My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2  For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. (Proverbs 3:1–2, NKJV)

Little is more heart-rending to a father than to watch his son (or daughter) abandon the guidance and instruction he gave him for his good. A father’s commands are not given so he can have control over his child. They are given in order to help him live righteously. A father’s law is expressed to his son, not to restrict his child, but to teach him the blessings come from making right choices. A father longs for his son to have peace, therefore, he desires that his son will obey him from the heart. How much more, then, must our heavenly Father yearn for our heart-based obedience. Do not break your Father’s heart. Follow His will from your heart. You will have blessings now and in the end, eternal life. (If you have forgotten His law, then return to the Father in full repentance. He loves you and will receive you with joy.)