Pressing On!

Walking backward can be dangerous. Movement is usually slower and one can easily stumble and fall. Since our eyes are in the front of our head, walking FORWARD is much easier and safer. Also, the ankles seem to have been designed by God more for MOVING FORWARD than backward. Does that tell us something with regard to our life's progression? Sure we can turn the neck, but doing so for very long creates pain in the neck muscles. (Turning the neck to one side for a long meeting or class reveals this to be painfully true.) Is it not continuing to MOVE FORWARD rather than backward that should picture our life as Christians walking with God in faith?

Consider the following: The Australian coat of arms (granted by King George V of the United Kingdom in 1912) pictures two native Australian animals supporting it. These are the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) and the emu (Domaius novaehollandiae). It is thought that these two animals were chosen in reflection of a common belief that neither one moved backwards easily. Thus they were used to symbolize a nation moving forward. [source: http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/coat_of_Arms.pdf]

More than picturing the people of Australia, should that not be the picture of the people of God? Even as Paul described the spiritual armor God provides, it is pictured as covering the front for continuing to press on in the battle instead of retreating. ( Ephesians 6:14-17) We are not to retreat from MOVING FORWARD with God Who is continually leading us on to victory.

With regard to the cost of discipleship, Jesus unequivocally declared. . .
"(62) Jesus said to him, 'NO ONE WHO PUTS HIS HAND TO THE PLOW AND LOOKS BACK IS FIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD.'" ( Luke 9:62 ESV)

As we enter the kingdom of God we are to keep facing ahead toward our eternal destination. To look back can distract us from pressing on, even causing us to desire to go back to where we have been. Reading of the Exodus of God's people from Egypt, many times we come across their desire to return rather than trusting God to lead them safely to the promised land. (i.e. Numbers 14:4) Have we encountered the same struggle?

Let us share the resolve of Paul who stated. . .
"(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 3:13-14 ESV)

Like God's creatures -- the kangaroo and the emu -- and God's faithful servant Paul, let us unwaveringly trust our Creator by continually MOVING FORWARD in life. Though it may take "straining" at times, may we continue pressing on toward the heavenly goal!

Have a great day KEEPING EYES AHEAD AND ON THE GOAL OF GOD!
Carl

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