Keeping your eyes forward in the New Year

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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.

Philippians 3:12-14

Back in my high-school days, I had a coach who, if we won a game, gave us a few days to enjoy that win. After that, he’d say, “Alright, boys, put away your newspaper clippings and let’s get ready for our next game!” He knew we couldn’t just rest on our past accomplishments.

As I talk with many Christians today, I meet person after person who is resting on past accomplishments. Whether it be a mission trip, service project, or some other way that God used them powerfully, they’ve set these things up not just as remembrances, but as idols in their lives and excuses for not doing much today.

But as we live with our focus on Christ, our eyes ought to always be gazing ahead at what God has for us next. Yes, it’s great to remember how God worked through you in the past. But more important than that is how He wants to work through you today.

As you look forward in this brand new year, never stop asking yourself what your walk is like in the present. Use your past experiences as stepping stones to the next level in your walk with God. Submit to God today and surrender yourself to His will for your life!

USE YOUR PAST VICTORIES AS STEPPING STONES TO DOING SOMETHING GREAT FOR THE KINGDOM TODAY!

Jack Graham