Forgetting What Lies Behind

3:13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead...

Paul’s quest for Christ involves “forgetting what lies behind.” The Greek word here that is translated "forgetting" means "paying no attention to".

In light of the problem with the Judaizers, there is a possibility Paul has his past life as a Pharisee in mind. But the overall image here seems to be one of a frontrunner who doesn’t look back behind him but presses on toward the goal. The point seems to be that the Christian runner must not allow himself to become distracted. There is a goal which must remain in focus.

There are thousands of potential distractions along the way, distractions that must be avoided. As is so vividly portrayed in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress , the Christian life is a road lined with beguilements. The Christian traveler must not allow his attention to be diverted from the goal, lest he veer off the path.

“Let your eyes look directly ahead, And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet, And all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:25–27)

It is not merely a matter of seeking the kingdom. It is a matter of seeking only the kingdom. It is a matter of not paying attention to anything else but the kingdom.

"Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Heb.12:1)

Coming to Christ means leaving the old behind. A Christian not only has Something he must love, he has something he must hate, something he must turn his back on, something he must abandon.

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other." (Matt.6:24)

Of course, a man’s success in forgetting what lies behind will be determined by his eagerness to reach the goal and his love for What awaits him there.

My gracious Father, there is so much baggage that I, in my flesh, am anxious to bring along with me in my race. Somehow I still keep thinking that there are other things I need besides You, that Your grace isn’t actually sufficient for me. Please forgive me for my failure to trust. Help me to fix my eyes upon Jesus. Help me to lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles my feet, and let me run with endurance the race set before me.