Christian Living

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Something I have learned through my Pastor, based on this scripture:

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:12-14

I can leave behind not only my failures but also my successes, because both can interfere with my relationship with the Lord. I might wallow in self-pity over what I should have done, or rest on my laurels in pride. While I may not fully forget them I can put them behind where they do not affect my present or future through any decision I make. In fact having them behind indicates I am on the right path, away from them and heading toward Jesus.

My motivation then is my relationship with Jesus. All things out of the way I can focus on Him as my aim in life. I can let His love provoke me to do as He wills, by His wisdom and strength.

To me it removes a supposed need to list what I should do. He is the List.

Of course I am only sharing. But I have found this to be quite effective and realistic because it allows for simple human error. I know I will not successfully do as He wills. He remembers my frame, that I am dust, and yet I cannot use human frailty as a cop-out because of His provision and promises. I am still responsible for my choices and actions.

© 1-12-10

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