Windshield, Not Rearview Mirror (Philippians 3:13-14)

Written in chains

Paul wrote Philippians from prison, likely chained to a guard, and it's one of his most hopeful letters. In 3:13-14 he admits he hasn't arrived yet. He doesn't present himself as the perfect authority.

One thing

"But one thing I do." DeWayne loves those words. When we fail, it's usually not for lack of effort. It's lack of focus. Paul doesn't give a list. He names one thing.

Forget what's behind

Paul had plenty to forget: holding coats while Stephen was stoned, and also his résumé as a star Pharisee. Failures and successes both stay in the past. Your windshield is much bigger than your rearview mirror for a reason. The mirror tells you where you've been, but you can't drive by it.

Strain forward

"Straining" is the word for a lifter shaking under a personal-best bench press. Paul brought the same intensity he once used to persecute Christians to following Christ. One participant added that the enemy loves to wave our past in our face. God keeps no record of wrongs, so neither should we.

Try this

• Name one thing from yesterday you need to stop replaying.
• Write down your "one thing" for this season.