Life's Focus!

Among the handy features and required parts of a car is the "rearview mirror." Some vehicles now also come equipped with backup video view; a feature currently being discussed as becoming mandatory in our country on new vehicles. (This discussion has taken place due to the number of children who have been accidentally backed over.) Having a view toward the rear is helpful for backing up, but also when driving to periodically check for what may be coming up from behind. What would happen if all driving was done with a view in the "rearview mirror"? We would most likely soon run off the side of the road or crash into stopped vehicles ahead of us. A GLANCE into the "rearview mirror" is helpful, but the MAIN FOCUS needs to be AHEAD; toward the direction we are moving. Even looking off to the side for very long can created a hazard. This is why my wife will sometimes say, "I'll look. You drive."

Perhaps there are some who are going through life like driving a car focused in the "rearview mirror." What is the impact such a focus can have? Certainly we can learn from the past and can be encouraged by some of it and so it is not to be completely ignored. However, it is possible for one to fix the focus on the successes of the past and do nothing now or to focus on the failings of the past with such regret they chain themselves to the past and become unable to press on. Though Paul acknowledged himself as the worst or "foremost of sinners" ( 1 Timothy 1:15-16 ESV) with regard to his past, he did not allow that to make him feel he was beyond hope. He had come to know the power and adequacy of God's grace and encouraged others to do the same.

By the time Paul wrote his letter to the church at Philippi, he had made three missionary journeys, impacted the lives of many individuals and churches, and had exemplified steadfast faith in Jesus as he unwaveringly preached the truth of salvation in Him. However -- even as a prisoner -- he did not rest with a focus in the "rearview mirror", but continued to FOCUS FORWARD.

In his letter from prison to those at Philippi, Paul wrote. . .
"(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)

We too, have not yet arrived! There is still growing for us to do. As long as we have life there is still work we can do to the glory of God. This FORWARD FOCUS of Paul is what compelled him to seek to always honor Christ in his body "whether by life or by death" ( Philippians 1:20) as he acknowledged "to live is Christ, and to die is gain." ( Philippians 1:21) His focus on living and dying were both centered on the Lord. ( Romans 14:7-8)

Perhaps we'll reach a time when the flesh creates some limitations in what we are able to do. However, even then our faith and life can still impact the lives of others in a forward manner. Right now -- looking back quite a number of years -- I am remembering an elder brother in Christ who continued to offer me great encouragement and the wisdom he had gained in ministry, as he lay in a hospital bed. Even in the hospital he did not cease to remain a servant of God. May we all keep our MAIN FOCUS on the goal, "straining forward to what lies ahead" as we allow God to use us in ways to His glory and praise.

Have a great day PRESSING ON WITH A FORWARD FOCUS IN CHRIST!
Carl

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