Scripture:
Philippians 3:12-16 ESV
[12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. [16] Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Observation:
I love the way Paul writes. Using himself as an example. Not claiming perfection yet in other letters making the bold statement that his readers should imitate him. That raises a question in my mind. If someone is not perfect, how could they make that claim? The second half of verse 12 has something to do with it. Paul was trying to imitate Jesus christ. His statement of pressing on to make it his like christ did. Is an eye opener. He knew that he had not arrived but strived to do better every day, never really staying where he was in his walk with Jesus. Knowing that GOD had called him to something more something higher. He would not get stuck in the troubles from the day before. Not letting yesterday way him down. In verse 15, what he says has an impact letting those who are mature think this way. Does that raise a question for you like it does me? I’m wondering if the less mature hold on to the past.
Application:
Sufficient for the day is its troubles. Yesterday is history tomorrow, and a mystery today is a gift. That why they call it the present. Can you leave yesterday behind? Or are you like most of us who like to hold on to the past and use it to ruin anything good that might happen today. Holding on to our mistakes or the mistakes of others is not wise. Unforgiveness is just as much of a sin as whatever happened. I mean, let’s face it, we won’t be perfect until christ comes back. Please don’t get me wrong when I say that. Because we do not have the right to do whatever we want without concern for others. We should be striving to do better every day. But we have to meet others with the same grace we have been met with. We can not expect perfection from others and grace for ourselves. Every one of us has done something that is out of line with GOD’S word. I’m going all the way back to the way we think. Everyone of us needs GOD’S grace. The question is, can you put yesterday behind you and grab ahold of today. Making the best of it. Or are you going to remain bitter about whatever happened yesterday that kept you in your head. Let it go. They are not perfect, nor are you. Forgive, and you will be forgiven… the grace filled person receives grace. The merciful receives mercy. You honestly reap what you sow. So, sow, grace because we all need it sow mercy because you didn’t get what you deserve, neither did I holding someone’s sis against them only hurts you. Don’t kick a dead horse. Yesterday is gone, so don’t try to resurrect it today. it is only going to steal any blessings that GOD has in store for you. Let it go. GOD sees you, HE knows your heart bitterness and unforgiveness hinder your prayer life. Do you really want what GOD has for you…I do and I am not going to let anything take it from me. I want all of GOD’S blessings. Not just to be blessed but so that I can be a blessing to others. Speaking life and not death. Sowing love and not hate. Not holding anything against anyone. Because the LORD knows my sins are just as big if not bigger than the next guy. I want to live free. The bondage of unforgiveness and bitterness will not hold me down. I hope you are of the same mindset. I want your prayers answered just like I want mine answered. Leave yesterday alone and step into the promises of today. Give them the grace you need as well.
Prayer:
Father, we need you now just as much as any other day. Help us to be better today than we were yesterday. Showing others the same grace we need ourselves. We know we live in a broken world. But only you can paint a beautiful picture out of all our broken pieces. We do not want to live stuck in our past. You are a redeeming GOD. A restoring GOD. your word tells us to leave the past behind and press on to what’s ahead. Help us to do so. We want to do better today than we did yesterday. We don’t want our sin held against us, and what so ever a man sows that shall he also reap. Let us sow grace and mercy. Knowing that we need it as well. Not one of us has reached perfection, and if we have, we don’t need Jesus. Because our righteousness is enough…. your father knows that’s just not true. We need you all of us. Help us to be better today than we were yesterday. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.