#TuesdayTruth Philippians 3:13-14, 20

Philippians 3:13-14

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:20

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,”

There are several moments in my life that I wish I could go back and change. Sometimes these were because of something I said or did that was mean-spirited, ignorant, or even just unintelligent. Oh how beautiful are these words from Paul for those of us who have moments like I described in our past- “Forgetting what is behind…” I learned a lesson from each one such moment and now, I am leaving all that behind, moving on, not spending one more single thought or ounce of attention on any of that.

However, leaving our past mis-steps/sins/shame behind is not all there is. We now take the next cue from Paul and “press on…” There is work to do, my friend; not to gain salvation, for that has already been won, but to share our hope with others. The gospel is not a secret. It is TOO GOOD to keep to ourselves.

Last, we read the most beautiful part of this passage to me- “our citizenship is in heaven.” When I look around this world, I see so many things that I do not understand, that make me sad or even angry, that can spark that fear/worry/anxiety flare. However, this world is not “home.” Heaven is “home.” We have the opportunity to love those around us, spread word of the joy we have in Him, and get ever closer to our Father as we journey along, until He calls us HOME.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you that we can follow Paul’s cue here to forget what is behind us and press on to the calling you give us. Thank you for giving us citizenship in heaven. We simply can not wait to be there with you. In the meantime, thank you for giving us your word, so that we can know you better while we are here on earth.

We love you Father, Amen.