The often-quoted passage of Paul writing to the Philippians that he is “forgetting those things which are behind” has been shared to encourage us to let go of the things of the past.
What things?
In verses four through 11, Paul speaks of his credentials, his standing in the Jewish community, all he had known before He met Jesus, and what he calls “inferior stuff.” He now dedicated his life to knowing only Christ and everything God had for him, “the upward call.” (v.15-16)
We often point to this passage as leaving our past in the past—it’s done and over. And this is true. As we repent and turn to God, our history becomes inconsequential to the Lord’s higher purpose for us. We are new in Him. (Isaiah 66:22, 2 Corinthians 5:17)
We don’t bring the past into our present or future unless there is some use in it to keep us on track or show others the Way.
We can do this through the spiritual discipline of Reflection. You can listen to a video where I shared on this subject. Click here.
Reflecting on the past is different than ruminating on it.
Reflecting can be a powerful tool in guiding us ahead purposefully in faith.
It can help us stay focused on the Lord and His leadership in our daily lives.
Take some time to look at the past year.
• What did you plan at the beginning of the year?
• What happened as the months went by?
• How did you respond?
• What did you learn?
• How will the past year affect (or not) the new year?
Reflecting on the past year can show us what we learned from the past and reorient ourselves to True North—what Paul called the prize—on the right track to life in Christ.
You can go to my Facebook Group—#takebackyourlife—to hear the short video I shared on Reflection.
Yolanda is a certified Professional Life Coach. She holds an MA in Human Relations. She is a skilled presenter, with over 20 years as a workshop facilitator, creator and leader of the Refresh Retreat, and speaker equipping, encouraging, and energizing women to know and fulfill God’s plan and purpose in their lives.
Leave a Reply