Php 3:12-15 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Some people drift through life without any goals to accomplish and without any aspirations to do anything. How sad to see people waste their lives by simply not having any ambitions in life. The sooner in life a person begins setting goals the more productive and fruitful they will become.
The same principle applies in the Christian life also. For Paul to get anything accomplished for his Lord, he had to set goals for his life. Mind you, these were spiritual goals and all Christians need spiritual goals. Caleb said, "Give me this mountain at the age of 80!" Elisha asked for a double portion! Solomon wanted wisdom! Goals! Aims in life. They are so needful. Even Jesus came into this world with a goal; to seek and to save sinners! Hallelujah!
For Paul's spiritual goals to be met he had to:
#1: Realize His Place - "I've not yet apprehended" was his awareness about his own life. It is easy to realize this about others, but Paul was aware that there was more needed in his own life. More to be accomplished for Jesus and more personal growth in his own life was his concern.
#2: Release His Past - "Forgetting those things which are behind" was his determination. We all have a past. What is past is past. It will never be changed, it is etched in history but it needs to be forgotten to accomplish anything for Jesus. Some Christians are plagued by thier past and it stunts their walk with Christ. God has chosen to forget our past. Since He has forgotten our past, it must be the devil reminding us of our past failures. For us to forget the "bad past", we must think upon the "good past". For personal reference read Philippians 4:8.
#3: Reach For The Promises: "Reaching forth" was his goal of life. There are so many promises that God has set before us and ALL of us live so far below the standard that God has set for us. Don't become content with the substandard, reach forth for those things which are in front of you. God has so much more for us ALL!
Remember: "If you aim at nothing, you will surely hit your mark."
~ Pastor