Forgetting What is Past

Today's blog was written by Matthew Byars a fellow inmate of Chris McLaurin at Albion SCI.

Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own but this 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 heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:13-14, NRSV)

In the third chapter of Philippians, Paul is warning the church about people who teach works-based righteousness. He explains that if anyone could count on their own merit to impress God it would be himself. Paul worked zealously to be in good standing with God the way he thought was right. I see a parallel between Paul and myself in some ways. I took pride in all the good things I did for people. I loved being the guy people called at anytime for help. I studied, worked hard, and earned many awards and accolades. I was a church leader. The difference between Paul and I is that he did not yet know better and I was doing good to try to cover up and feel better about my secret sin. My good was like filthy rags to God. When my sin was exposed and I went to jail, I whined that no one cared about the good I had done. God didn't care about it either. He knew the hypocrite I was. As God matured me and I actually began to read the Bible, I began to let go of those old accomplishments. I'm still in the process of letting things go and the only time it gets easier is when I focus on my future goal: my calling. Brothers [and Sisters], I encourage you that if you are holding onto all the things you accomplished to try to please God and make yourself look and feel better, whether you were the best at business or teaching or singing or anything else, forget that stuff and trust in Jesus so that He can cover you with His righteousness. That's the only righteousness the Father is impressed with.

Prayer: Gracious Father, help us all to see our failures to please you with our works. Through your Spirit teach us to repent of our past actions and inactions. Teach us instead to turn to you and accept the love that you pour on us unconditionally. Forgive us and lead us in your paths. In Jesus Name, Amen.