Looking Ahead

My wife and I were talking the other day about some recent adversity in our lives (recent as in over a year ago).  In expressing her posture of putting it behind her, Sue said, “I don’t want to turn into a pillar of salt.” 

That reference to Lots wife, fleeing Sodom, was great. 

There are three ways we can look back. 

1. Looking back at our past misdeeds. 

We were playing a game at some friends' house.  Everyone writes down answers to a question, then everyone guesses whose answer it is, for points.  The question came up, “What should you not discuss with others?” 

One of the players said, `Past misdeeds.` Like anyone, when I was younger I did things I`m ashamed of. I understand better today what was going on with me at that time and I have made amends as best  I could, where to do so wouldn`t likely cause more harm. 

But occasionally I am hampered by feelings of shame and regret.  It`s a battle to apply the forgiveness of God to myself, to forgive myself. 

2. Dwelling on our wounds. 

A friend of mine was in a conflict with someone she cared very much about and in working it out, no matter how she sliced it, the other person seemed to need to be the bigger victim.  No apology, no acknowledgement of his contribution to the conflict, no responsibility.

If we`re a victim, it relieves us of responsibility.  But it`s just another way we rob ourselves of the best God has for us.  Living out of a Victim paradigm can let us engage in another form of being self-centred. 

3. Resting on our laurels. 

When we start consoling ourselves with the past instead of trusting God for the future, we`re off our game.  That`s what Paul did in Philippians 3.  He lists his achievements and credentials as a Pharisee (1st century Jewish lay leader) then declares them a liability rather than an asset.  (Paul also considered himself to be a bigger sinner than anyone else. He had some regrets of his own).  If we're here, there's a reason.  You're part of The Plan.  

That`s when Paul says: 

[My life`s goal is to] gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

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.  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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

He recognizes:

1.  It`s not about him; it`s about Christ:

"... in order that I may gain Christ..." 

2. His self worth -- indeed, his standing before God -- is based on God`s value of him, not personal achievements:  

"... not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith..." 

3. He's on record as being a work in progress.  He doesn`t give up on himself because God doesn`t give up on him. 

"... 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."  

4. He`s looking forward, not back:

"...one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal..." 

5. He stays focussed and patient. 

"[The prize is ] the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained."

So remember

1. It's not just about you; there`s a bigger context to your life.  You're part of The Plan. 

2. Your self-worth is too great to be reduced to anything this earth measures value by – you come from God.  Talk about branding.  Your acceptability to God comes from outside of yourself.  

3. You are a work in progress.  Never, ever give up on yourself, because God doesn`t give up on you. 

4. Keep your focus forward.  Let the past be the past.  In Christ, God has separated your sins as far as east is from west.  He heals wounds.

5. Keep your eyes on the prize.   Be patient and open.  You don`t have to be perfect all at once.  God will show you what you need to know.  He is with you. 

So what's your bent -- more toward regrets about past misdeeds?  Being a victim of others' (perhaps very real) sins against you?  Thinking it's about what you've accomplished (or misdeeds avoided)?  I don`t want to be a pillar of salt.  How `bout you?