Forget the Past and Move On!

Be Strong, Be Well — Monday, July 13

Perfection is something we probably feel is something impossible to attain. Yet, Jesus gave this command, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

One thing should be clear from the beginning. Being perfect in the Bible sense does not mean we won’t sin. All people sin (1 John 1:8-10). Even so, Noah was perfect (Genesis 6:9). Some of the Corinthians were perfect (1 Corinthians 2:6). Paul encouraged the Philippians to be perfect (Philippians 3:15).

Paul spoke of perfection in Philippians 3:12-15 in two different ways. He began by saying, “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.”

Paul didn’t feel as though he had reached a place in his life of absolute moral perfection, where he didn’t need to do anything more. Then within a few more words, the apostle said, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect…” (KJV/ASV). The NKJV is clearer in its rendering of perfect as “mature” or full-grown.

Paul was encouraging the Philippian brethren not to be satisfied with their past accomplishments. We need to learn to do the same. Let them go. Move on. Forget them. Instead, think about how much more can be attained in Christ, to be more like Him, and “...that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12).

There will never be a time to stop stretching, reaching out, pressing “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” —Chris