Forget, Reach Forward and Press On.

We all set ourselves goals, or things we’d like to achieve at times. The problem comes when we don’t hit that target. We can end up feeling insecure and inadequate. Many people then look around and begin comparing their achievements with others, which can leave them feeling inferior. Comparisons are not always helpful and are not wise.

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12

In fact most comparisons are foolish because God made you to be uniquely who He wants you to be and for the purposes He wants you to achieve.

We do all have a common goal, which Paul calls the prize of the upward call of God.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. – Philippians 3:12-16.

It would not be helpful to compare ourselves with others who are trying in there own way to move forward in this too.

The advice to those who feel inferior or insecure is simply to keep on going, forget the past, look forward and press on toward the goal. The advice to those who feel they are doing well and almost perfect is exactly the same.

Non of us has yet made it to the standard which God has for us and we all slip along the way. The target set for us by Jesus was perfection.

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:48

If we focus on our past failings, we will give up before we begin. Most of us would agree that in ourselves we could never be perfect. But this is God’s plan for each one of us.

till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; – Ephesians 4:13.

We all need to take hold of the advise Paul offers in Philippians 3.13,14

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

When he says forgetting what was in the past, it’s a decision, not a state of mind. Decide to forget those past mistakes and failings so they don’t rob you of your present or your future.

If we concentrate on mistakes we’ve made or times we’ve tried and failed, then we feel less able to strive for God’s perfect standard.

Neither should we live on past achievements. This can stop us moving forward too.

When we make this decision we can reach forward to what’s ahead.

With our mind focussed on this, we can then press toward that goal like a runner giving his all with his mind set on the finish line.

We may not be perfect, but we are all heading toward perfection and of this we can all be of the same mind.

So today let us all follow this good bible based advice:

Forget, Reach Forward and Press On.