A LIFE OF SIGNIFICANCE (2)

“...ONE THING I DO, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” – Philippians 3:13b

Prioritizing Time and Tasks is crucial to a LIFE of SIGNIFICANCE: “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” (Phi.3:13). Paul was a Man of ONE THING. He determined to forget the past, face the future, and focus on God.

Forget the Past: “…Forgetting those things which are behind…” (v.13). We can learn from the past, but we can’t live in the past. We have to give our past to Jesus, forgetting both the defeats and victories. First, we must forget our injuries and wounds and let God heal us of all hurts, forgiving ourselves, and putting ourselves under His Forgiveness. Having confessed and repented of past errors, we must stop allowing the enemy’s accusation to keep us from victory. Then, we must forsake our successes. God gave Israel daily manna. We need daily bread. We can’t live off of yesterday’s blessing, strength, or victory. We must live one day at a time and focus on what God is doing right now.

Face the Future: “…and reaching forward…” (v.13). This pictures a runner straining for the finish line. No matter what the world or we as individuals are passing through, rather than complain or resist, let’s embrace and accept whatever God has permitted, respond instead of react, and intercede rather than interfere. God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Is. 55:8). If Paul who wrote thirteen books of the Bible confessed that he had not arrived (v.12), certainly God is not through with any of us.

Focus on God: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize…” (v.14). God has more for us, and we must look ahead expectantly for what He wants to do! God is shaking or taking away humanity’s idols, such as sports, entertainment, and the economy, so we will focus on Him. We must have no other gods before Him. He’s showing us that activity does not equate productivity. There is a difference between what we may do, might do, and must do. Many people are overloaded, overbooked, overwhelmed, frustrated and unfulfilled, attempting so much but accomplishing too little!

One thing we all must do is DO RIGHT – put first things first! We cannot serve two masters. God is first. He cannot be second. He must be our Focus! We must say ‘No’ to good things so that we can say ‘Yes’ to the best and the right, that which God has called us to! We must figure out what matters most – for His Glory (Mt.6.33; 1 Cor.10:31). What is the one thing I do, that I must stop doing? What is the one thing that I am NOT doing that I should be doing? What is the one thing that, if I did it, would help me live significantly in all aspects of life?