One thing I do
"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. (KJV) Philippians 3:13-14
Paul through the epistle (Philippians) exhorts fellow brethren on basic life experiences in a Godly manner. What does it mean to forget our past? Should we not remember or have memories? Certainly NOT. As humans, our minds would surely reflect on our past, but we are hereby encouraged to cleave unto this “one thing”, which is “to focus without humiliating memories”.
It is good to have retrospection and prospection in life. Many people are living yesterday’s lives in the present, oblivious of what Jesus had said about anxiety (Philippians 4:6). Indeed, anxiety makes people live and dwell in the past forgetting the beauty of the present and the hope for tomorrow. The writer of Proverbs, Solomon was unequivocal when he said, “anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a calm word keeps it cool” (Proverbs 12:25).
For us to enjoy the beauty of life and the incessant blessings of God, we should forget the past, thus live not in the wrongful past, and rather do the rightful present deed. A quote from a beloved sister read, “Focus on the brighter side of life”. Sounds soothing right?
It is imperative to look forward to the high calling and forget the deeds that we did in the past that went wrong. God is not pleased when we continue to live and worry our heads about yesterday or tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-34).
Let’s be mindful as Christians that, in this adulterated age, we shall not take things lightly as we journey along. We should gird up the loins of our minds to sail through the facets of life successfully (1 Peter 1:13). We should remember to do this “one thing” and God will in His infinite wisdom bless us. Amen.