Looking Ahead

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” -Revelation 21:5

The new year is upon us! It is our custom to treat this as a fresh start; this post muses on that.

Forget What is Behind . . .

In Philippians, Paul reminds his readers about the need to strive for improvement (knowing God better):

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

Note that Paul says "forgetting what lies behind." My pastor points out that this is everything—the good and bad! It is easy to either focus on our past successes (and revel in them beyond their due) or failures (and wallow in worldly sorrow, which produces death). The Bible calls us to do neither, but to "press on toward the goal . . . of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Striving More and More . . .

We make resolutions, and should! This reflects the Biblical truths and calls to do so. In Thessalonians, Paul states: 

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. (1 Thessalonians 4:1)

Do so "more and more." The Thessalonians were doing a good job—Paul calls them to keep growing. It doesn't matter how good you are; you can always improve. As we increase in obedience and holiness, we will more vividly recognize how far we [still] are from the perfection God demands. There is always room for improvement.

Because of God's Strength . . .

Back in Philippians, Paul reminds us why we need to strive more and more. 

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-14)

Many modern stories focus on "inner strength" and "believing in yourself." This distorts the truth and puts the focus on us. The Bible is clear that our strength comes from God. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5), and He supports us (Romans 11:18). We can (and must) strive more and more because God is our strength.

Knowing the End . . .

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

This is one of the most encouraging verses in Scripture. God promises to complete what He starts. As I look at my life, I see lots of folly, flaws, and failures. Lessons I (apparently) haven't mastered even after years of walking with Christ. Deep-rooted selfishness and rebellion. That is demoralizing. But I see something else, too—I see progress. Even if it is small, even if it is incomplete, even if it is slow . . . I see maturity. And that is due to God (see previous point), which means He has started something. And that means He will complete it. God keeps His promises. We thus run the race with anticipation and even joy (see next point). We know how this story ends.

And Living in Joy.

For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:20)

Ecclesiastes talks a lot about vanity. The vanity of striving after possessions, pleasures, and so on. The general message (summarized in this excellent commentary) is "life is gift, not gain." We strive not for gain itself but to better and more joyfully know, rest in, and reflect Christ.

-----

Looking ahead to 2026, may this year see great growth. But remember that "spiritual disciplines are not about making you more precious to God. They're about making God more precious to you." - Matt Smethurst