Keep Moving Forward

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:12–14

One of the most famous of Aesop’s fables is “The Tortoise and the Hare.” The boastful rabbit is challenged to a race by a turtle. He gleefully accepts, certain of victory. When the race begins, the rabbit hurries off, soon leaving the turtle far behind. Rather than completing the race, he decides to take a nap. It is only when he awakens that the rabbit realizes the turtle is almost to the finish line. He races to catch up, but loses the contest.

All of us are tempted at times to rest on our laurels. While we certainly should be thankful for past victories and accomplishments, it is far more important for us to be focused on the future. God has greater things ahead for us, but if we have decided to coast because of what we have already done, we will miss them. Many people have missed opportunities to glorify God and live up to their calling because they decided they had already done enough.

Charles Spurgeon said, “Living on the past is one of the faults of old churches. We, for instance, as a church, may begin to congratulate ourselves upon the great things God has done by us, for we shall be sure to put it in that pretty shape, although we shall probably mean the great things we have done ourselves. After praising ourselves thus we shall gain no further blessing, but shall decline by little and little.”

Today's Growth Principle: 

Nothing that we have accomplished so far in life means that we need not keep moving forward.

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Eternity Now   CURRENT TV SERIES Songs of Courage

He who did not spare His own Son but delivered him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? --Romans 8:32 What does the word freedom bring to your mind? Maybe you imagine the celebrations of the Fourth of July, or see images of soldiers in battle. Possibly you think of the American flag. Or you might think about your freedom to worship and exercise your faith. But there is a greater freedom for you than even our national freedom. It is the freedom of your soul and mine, bought and paid in full by the blood of Jesus Christ. He gave the ultimate price for your freedom, He poured out His blood so you can be free! Think about this, if God would not even spare His only Son, don’t you know He will freely give you all things in Him? Our Scripture verse today says, “He who did not spare His own Son but delivered him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” You can be free from addictions, from sin, and from death. You can experience liberty, joy, victory, and peace. All you have to do is accept Jesus Christ as your deliverer today. If you never have, Ask God to forgive you of your sins today.