There are Some Things We Should Never Forget

It's important that we don't misconstrue one of the most invigorating principles that the Apostle Paul unveils in Philippians 3:12-14 "forget those things that are behind him and press towards the mark of the high calling in Jesus Christ."  In context he was referring to his horrendous past of persecuting the saints. He experienced a shameful and despicable past that he could do no longer do anything about; a past that had the potential to enslave and fatally distract him from his promising future. 

As a result of God's gracious forgiveness and purpose for the life of Paul, he adamantly made a conscious decision to keep his eyes fixed on the prize that he envisioned, eternal life with Jesus Christ.

Those individuals that have experienced spiritual growth or increased faith; particularly those individuals that are currently walking in victory in some of the same areas where they too were once crippled by constant doubt and defeat. We must never forget that we have not always been where we are now!  As Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith would stand during his time of testing, we must be willing to pray, undergird and strengthen others that are sitting where we once sat, rather than resorting to condemnation, inappropriate and prohibited judgments.

--Sister Laura Witherspoon