Looking Ahead!

When I am the driver, sitting in the front seat of my car, I need to keep a focus ahead of me so that I can arrive at my destination safely. There is also the need to be aware of what is going on around me. On a multilane highway there can be cars alongside me. Awareness of what is going on behind me is also good. The design of the car enables me to look ahead with a view of both where I am going and where I have been. Through the windshield I see what lies ahead and with the use of a rearview mirror I can see what is behind. However, the windshield is large and the rearview mirror is small. Might that tell me something with regard to where the MOST FOCUS time ought to be? It is with good reason the rearview mirror is not large (though that might make combing the hair and putting on makeup easier -- and I have seen that happening as people are driving down the road) with the windshield being small. Too much gazing into the rearview mirror has been the cause of many accidents. Things can happen very quickly in front of us. Being distracted for just a brief moment is enough to create the possibility of a collision. The front windshield has been designed high and wide in order to provide a clear view of everything directly in front of the vehicle and further up the road as well.

There were some things in Paul’s past that perhaps haunted him at times. His letters make it very clear he accepted the forgiveness made possible by the blood of Christ and the grace of God, but that past was a part of the road he had traveled. (i.e. 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Timothy 1:13) Where did he FOCUS HIS ATTENTION THE MOST?

Writing to the church at Philippi, Paul humbly but unequivocally stated…
“(12) Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (13) Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: FORGETTING WHAT LIES BEHIND AND STRAINING FORWARD TO WHAT LIES AHEAD, (14) I PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” ( Philippians 3:12-14 ESV)

Some people just can’t get themselves to look ahead because they keep living the past over and over again in their minds. Such a view can cause one to stop moving forward. Remember, the rearview mirror is small, but the windshield is large. Paul kept looking ahead to the BIGGER things God had in mind for him and those he taught. Though he was convicted by the sin of his past, Paul pressed on in the assurance of being what he was by the grace of God. ( 1 Corinthians 15:10) Because Christ had become his life, Paul had a WIDE VIEW OF A GRAND FUTURE and pressed on toward the goal of the upward call. May we also keep our MAIN VIEW FOCUSED ahead of us that our forward motion in Christ may not be hindered.

Have a great day MAINTAINING A FORWARD FOCUS FOR LIFE!
Carl

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