Don’t Dwell on the Past. Philippians 3:13. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,” There’s nothing we can do about the past. Some memories are worth keeping, while others are better left behind. Still, it’s impossible to completely forget either good or bad experiences we’ve had in a lifetime. What we can do is avoid dwelling on the past by rethinking the event or dwelling on the “what ifs” that come to mind when reviewing an experience. “Forgetting” doesn’t mean losing our memory, but rather leaving things behind and considering them finished and settled.
Likely, Paul could remember holding the coats of those who stoned Stephen or the faces of Christians he persecuted before he was saved. Those were events in the past that he chose to leave behind. We may be ashamed of some things, and if we are not careful, guilt can make us unfruitful. Paul intentionally reached forward to fulfill what God called him to do.
Believers in Christ live in a sanctified tension between what we already have—God's forgiveness and acceptance into His family—and living each day consistently according to what we profess to have received. We need to intentionally focus on what lies ahead and the prize at the end of the race of life. Runners do not look back in pride over what they have done or in discouragement because of failures. The finish line is what is before us. We must commit ourselves to move forward in faith and obedience to our Lord. That will make our lives here meaningful and full of expectation as we seek ways to please and glorify our Savior.
We won’t lose all memories of past actions. Don’t dwell on them; just leave them behind. What has been done is finished, and we cannot change it. Any regrets are a burden to cast on Him when we take up His yoke and learn from Him so we can find our rest in Him. Now, we are to look forward to where there is a yoke to bear, and our Master who says, “Learn of Me,” invites us to reach out our arms right where we are and dedicate ourselves to His work. We can see we have been “apprehended” for this work.
Effort is required to fulfill this calling. This is not the time to look back and give up, but to trust Him gratefully, knowing He understands every event and experience we've passed through, and recognizing that He wants us to move forward with His purpose. The day is still bright; there is work to be done in the field; the harvest is ready; and souls are waiting for laborers to step out and bring in what it produces for usefulness without hesitation or regret. Before the sun sets and darkness falls, reach toward what God has called you to do. He knows who you are; He perceives you, and He sends you out to fulfill His plan. Looking back halts progress. Time continues for everyone, so dedicate yourself and give your best in the work. You’ve been called by Him and for Him; now, do what you can for Him.
There is a lingering dissatisfaction with his past as he presses forward like a runner striving to reach the finish line. Paul's goal was to know Christ intimately, be like Christ personally, and be all Christ wanted him to be in practice. He had a focused mind toward this goal. As far as we are concerned, the past is behind us, and we should leave it there. Looking back can only discourage us and bring shame for what we did or did not do. We need to focus on the present and our current personal relationship with God, not on the past and our guilt. Faith and obedience now lead to a full and abundant life. Devotion to Christ instead of dissatisfaction will keep us moving in the right direction.