Thursday, June 10, 2010

Move Forward Toward Jesus

"Brothers, 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 3:13-14

Paul knew a thing or two about past mistakes. Remember he was the one who held the coats for those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr. He opposed Jesus and sought to persecute anyone who followed Him. Then there was that day along the road to Damascus. Jesus spoke to Paul, who was then called Saul, and Paul's life was forever changed.

Many of us can relate to that. A few people grew up truly knowing Jesus. Others of us felt His Presence as He entered our lives. He saved us. We knew immediately when the Holy Spirit entered our hearts. We still feel it, though we may stray now and again. He doesn't let us go. Jesus had plans for Paul. He didn't let him go. He has plans for us as well.

Paul couldn't change anything he had said or done before Jesus touched him. Paul could have spent his life in turmoil, forever beating himself up for what he couldn't change. Instead, he headed forward determined to teach others about Jesus and all He had done for us. Paul stayed focused on the prize -- eternal life with Christ Jesus.

We are called to that same journey. None of us can undo our past. Nothing can bring back harsh words, dishonest actions or any number of regrets we might have. Beating ourselves up only keeps us cowered down and unable to do the things God has called us to do.

As children of God, we are forgiven. He knows what we've done. He knows we live our lives as sinners, forever unable to be worthy of His Glory. But Jesus intercedes for us. He has taken our sins upon Himself and we are forgiven. Truly. No strings attached.

Well, maybe that's not really true. Once Jesus enters us, we want to do God's will. We want to be good and worthy people. Certainly, our actions don't bring admission to heaven. But the heart change brings a desire for good actions. And that is the string that binds our heart to His.

Paul understood this. He spent his life telling the world about Jesus. He moved beyond a past he couldn't change and spent the remainder of his life focused forward toward Jesus. We are called to do the same. Nothing can change where we've been but the door is open and the light is shining brightly on the path before us as we move closer and closer to Jesus.