One thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

No matter where you live in this world, you’re probably interested in a better life–being a better version of yourself.  That’s why the global personal development market is valued at over $13 billion a year!  God weighed in on the subject thousands of years ago in the Bible, inspiring a man named Paul to encapsulate the formula. He wrote:  “One thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).  In three words, here’s his secret:  Concentration, forgetfulness, and anticipation.

First, concentration:  This one thing.  Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24).

Then Paul mentions, “forgetting what is behind”–a wise forgetfulness of the past.  Forget your failures; they only hurt you.  Forget your victories; they are history.  Forget your losses; they will cripple you.  Follower of Jesus, that future is incredible.  Concentrate on what God has for you in the future.

Paul put it graphically as he wrote that he was “straining toward what is ahead.”  He was using the imagery of his day, comparing life to a race and the world to a vast arena where athletes competed for the prize.  There was no thought of turning back.

Concentration, forgetfulness, and anticipation–the three-fold secret to crafting a life of meaning.

 

Resource reading: Mark 10:17-27