Read: Philippians 3:7–16
But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind
and reaching forward to what lies ahead.
Philippians 3:12b
Okay, don’t read the partial verse quoted above and think I am asking you to apply this to Christmas. However, judging by how quickly everyone moves on after the 25th, that is what has happened. Christmas is quickly forgotten. Personally, I am in the so-called Christmas spirit until January 2nd after New Year’s celebrations are over.
I’ve also found that people are a little blue and depressed once Christmas Day is in the rearview mirror. Maybe it’s because all of the presents have been opened (with plans to return some of them), families are saying goodbyes until the next holiday, and most of us are returning to work, with school back in session just around the corner.
Instead, during this window of time, I hope you will focus your mind and heart to do some pre-resolution soul searching. We will look at so-called New Year’s resolutions in our final time together tomorrow.
Today, we once again take a look at our hearts. We’ve spent the month taking the journey from pre-conception to toddler and all of the miraculous events surrounding this portion of Jesus’ life. Hopefully, this has brought greater depth to your biblical knowledge and a new appreciation for our celebration of His birth. There are practical and spiritual applications to be made. Let’s bundle all of this together and narrow down our focus to producing real heart-change in ourselves.
This passage in Philippians is a great reminder of the perspective we should have 365 days a year. Paul tells us that no matter what we can brag about in life, everything pales in comparison to knowing Jesus. And as imperfect as we are, with a godly perspective and passion we press on toward a closer relationship with Him and His will.
Paul’s message is certainly an encouraging motivation, but it is also quite easy to get caught up in our failures, our scars, and our present problems. “Forgetting what lies behind” is a discipline that most of us find wearisome to maintain. The damage already done and the daily challenges of life rob us of our focus and our joy in the Lord. Don’t let this Christmas and New Year’s season pass without a fresh effort to reach forward and press on through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Looking for a daily prescription to fulfill this Bible passage in your life? Read what are perhaps the three most succinct Bible verses on the matter from Paul: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
