Hello Grace

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

— Philippians 3:13-14

When you think about the past, what emotions tend to rise to the top—feelings of fondness and longing or feelings of sadness and regret?

It’s interesting to consider what things were “behind” Paul that he was determined to forget. In the verses just before these, he listed his accomplishments. So Paul wasn’t only talking about the bad stuff when he said, “I don’t look back.” He was talking about the stuff he had previously thought was important in life and worthy of daily pursuit. Since then, though, he had turned in faith to Christ—and that changed everything.

Paul experienced a new beginning that brought him freedom from trying to be the best. The mercy of God through the grace of Jesus Christ shifted Paul’s perspective. The “old” Paul was impressive in the world, but lost in the only way that really matters. The “new” Paul was unimpressive in the world. He was hated by some and considered a fool by many. But opinions were unimportant because he had learned what really matters in life.

Whether you look back on a past filled with earthly success or failure, only one thing matters—a future in the grace of Jesus Christ. In fact, apart from Christ, you can consider both success and failure as synonymous realities. Apart from Christ, your successes are only temporary distractions from the truth that your best human efforts fail to earn God’s favor every single time. And your failures? Well, they’re equally distracting. The enemy wants to keep you from a new beginning. God is calling you forward in Christ. Will you say goodbye to the old you and hello to the new?

• Listen to Matthew West’s “Goodbye Yesterday.” What lyrics stand out to you as particularly encouraging? Which stand out to you as challenging?
• Forgetting what is behind is easier said than done, right? What Christian disciplines help you make forward progress toward spiritual maturity?
• Ask God to help you let go of both past accomplishments and failures. Ask Him to reveal the plans He has for you to serve and honor Him moving forward.