Friday, May 21, 2010

Where to from here???

As I sit thinking about the coming graduation and all the hopes, dreams and ambitions for those walking across that platform, I also think about the necessity of not facing the future without following that which has been taught since your youth. I know not all the graduates have been raised in Christian homes, but for those that have it would be tragedy to just "grow out of" the teachings learned from parents via Biblical standards.

Looking at setting a goal for the future, my mind goes to Philippians 3:13-16, which reads..."Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do , forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,(14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (16) Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing."

Here Paul is talking about not dwelling on those things in the past and working toward the calling that God has placed in his life. Sometimes, when we get out on our own, we decide that we know better than what we have been taught under our parents tutelage. Am I the only one who went that way and found out they really duid know what they were talking about? Do you notice in verse 15 it states that if someone is other minded, the truth shall be revealed by God? That's an amazing thing to think of. If we are honestly seeking the truth...through prayer and searching the Scripture...God will reveal it to us. But we must also stick to what we have learned (Biblically) and walk accordingly.

As many of you know, I like to look at what the Amplified version says, as often it brings more depth. Here's how it ptranslates the same passage..."I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. (15) So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also. (16) Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that."

Paul says he is far from perfect, but he keeps his eyes forward...looking at what God has ahead instead of dwelling on the past. Any of you know someone who always talks about the "Good 'Ole Days" all the time? They tend to just meander through life with no rhyme or reason. They are living in the past. I am not saying to forget what has happened in your life, but if we dwell only on what has happened, how can we be prepared for action that is to come?

So, not only is this a message for those who are entering into a new phase of life, but also those of us who get sidetracked by the fun times of years past. Let's remember those times with fondness, but keep heads up and looking to reach the mark the Lord has in front of us.

Oh, and by the way...Congratulations, Class of 2010!!!

Let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!

2 comments:

Melissa said...

This posting is very timely and creative. I like how you really tackle a topic many of us probably haven't though about. I know I, myslef, have though things like what you decribe, wondering back to certain time and dewling on them. There verses you use are so on point, it's amazing how God covers so many "Real" topics in the Bible. I didn't know this verse until I read it here!

zetify.com

Anonymous said...

Great post Craig. My son was a part of Class X this year in Atlanta. This particular passage was my "life verse" in high school. I remember coming to the understanding that the "past" we are to put behind us also includes our sins and failures. We serve a great God who lets us move on!

Thanks again for sharing.

-jack