“Not that I have obtained this yet, or realized perfection, but I press on to do as Christ Jesus did. Siblings, I have not achieved it yet, but I focus on forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, the goal of living God’s call as Christ Jesus did.”
Philippians 3:12-14
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- Apostle Paul’s focus, in the section often called, “Pressing Toward the Goal,” lets him teach by example.His instruction reminds us that Christ Jesus, the fully anointed, spiritual master, is to be our Great Example, our Master Teacher.
- To live in the past is to remain stuck in what was, perhaps using old possessions which no longer work or attempting to live beliefs which deny our true nature. So, to follow Jesus’s example, we must direct all our attention to God and follow God-guidance. This is how we express more of our Christ nature, our fully anointed, spiritual maturity.
- Moving toward our goal can fill us with hope. It gives us clarity and purpose as we clear a fresh path for ourselves, and sometimes, for others, too. But we can’t keep looking over our shoulders or longing for days gone by. We must trust the Spiritual Laws of Elimination and Order, releasing what was and allowing things to be aligned in their best way.
- Forgetting is an art refined by our capacity to eliminate what has been, what we once did, who we once were, and what we once believed. Forgetting lets us direct our energy to what’s happening now.
- Rather than sentimentalize, we can reminisce with appreciation. With hope, we can reach out for our next best thing, extending ourselves in faith, into the future, as we keep our eyes on the goal.
- In his essay, “Sentiment Slays,” Master New Thought Teacher Emmet Fox advises that we “live in the present” and bury the past. “No good thing that ever existed is out of reach when you understand the spiritual nature of Being.” He reminds us “that people never sentimentalize over present good; they enjoy it, and thereby glorify God. When they sentimentalize, it is always for something supposedly out of reach. No good experience is out of your reach because God . . . is with you.”
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What obstacles are in the way of me reaching my goal?
- Without analysis or judgment, list, word map, or illustrate whatever they are.
- When I contemplate these obstacles, what am I willing to do to clear them?
- Without analysis or judgment, for each obstacle, list, word map, or illustrate whatever you’re willing to do.
- When I contemplate my deepest desires and greatest goals—those which truly allow me to express my best, most spiritually mature self—what do I believe is out of my reach?
- Without analysis or judgment, list, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.
- What is my intuition—not my intelligence—telling me must be released so I can reach my goal?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can.
- When I imagine releasing what no longer serves me, what can I do to clear a fresh path?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
- What are at least three (3) ways I can let God guide my way?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can.
As you use this devotional, allow it to be a mind-body-spirit practice. Look around your home and office. Notice what can be recycled, reused, or repurposed. Notice what is outmoded and needs to be eliminated. These can be anything from 10-year-old business files to ripped pillows to the 400 photos on your phone. Stay open and willing to transform your thinking. Remind yourself that the old path isn’t getting you what you truly desire or where you need to be. Be courageous in moving ahead, even if it’s only a small step every week. Keep reaching out and remind yourself that God is with you and within you, guiding you as you go. Affirm: “All I need is within my reach, and I am grateful to receive it now.”
© 2022 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
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