VERSE:
Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead…
— Philippians 3:13

THOUGHT:
A lot of times I emphasize the importance of repentance (turning from sin). Someone once asked me “if a true Christian is someone who turns from sin, is it possible for a true Christian to sin?” The answer is an emphatic “yes”. In fact, Christians are more conscious of their sins than others. We know that our master died in order to forgive and cleanse us of our sins. He was raised from the dead and sent his Holy Spirit to dwell in us and empower us to turn from sins; yet so many times we find ourselves falling short. Sometimes, it seems like a hopeless endeavor to live holy; yet that is a lie from the devil. The enemy wants us to get down on ourselves and eventually give up. Holiness is our desire. Holiness is our destination. Holiness is what we are pressing towards; and the only way to get there is to keep our eyes on the source of Holiness – Jesus Christ.

APPLICATION:
If you find yourself falling short, acknowledge it as sin, confess it to the Lord, and move forward towards God. Don’t focus on the sin, but focus on the one who can cleanse you from sin. Don’t allow sin to defeat you by getting your eyes off of Jesus. Forget what is behind, and reach forward to what is ahead.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I have fallen short of your commands. I commit myself to holiness and purity, and I ask for your help to get me there. I commit myself to forget what is behind me, and reach forward to what is ahead. In Jesus’ Name i pray, AMEN!