“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. “Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
Often times when we are going through transitional seasons in life, we can find ourselves reflecting on Philippians 3:13-14. In these two verses we are reminded to forget the past, embrace the future and press forward in the calling of Christ Jesus. Whether it be leaving former ways behind, or an expired season we can all resonate with having to look to what lies ahead as we walk away from what we are to leave behind.
However, today, I want to take a slightly different approach to how we reflect upon this scripture. Often times we’re quick to quote these two verses as we reflect upon the command that’s being made in it, yet I wonder how many of us pause and reflect on Paul’s preface to verses 13 and 14.
As important as it is to forget what’s behind, the richness of this verse is found in understanding why Paul made this command. Many of us quote this verse with the expectation of doing as it states. Yet if we read the verses prior, we would understand that action without our posture is pointless. What good is it to press forward in the things of Christ, doing good works for his kingdom if our hearts are not truly aligned with the heart of Christ? Yet, this is what Paul was cautioning us of leading up to Philippians 3:13-14. The focal point wasn’t the action of “moving” but addressing what true righteousness looks like, and leaving behind anything that’s not reflective of it.
I love how the Passion and Message translation conveys it, let’s take a look.
“It’s true that I once relied on all that I had become. I had a reason to boast and impress people with my accomplishments—more than others—for my pedigree was impeccable. Yet all of the accomplishments that I once took credit for, I’ve now forsaken them and I regard it all as nothing compared to the delight of experiencing Jesus Christ as my Lord! To truly know him meant letting go of everything from my past and throwing all my boasting on the garbage heap. It’s all like a pile of manure to me now, so that I may be enriched in the reality of knowing Jesus Christ and embrace him as Lord in all of his greatness. My passion is to be consumed with him and not cling to my own “righteousness” based in keeping the written Law. My only “righteousness” will be his, based on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ—the very righteousness that comes from God. And I continually long to know the wonders of Jesus and to experience the overflowing power of his resurrection working in me. I will be one with him in his sufferings and become like him in his death. Only then will I be able to experience complete oneness with him in his resurrection from the realm of death. I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me his own.”
Philippians 3:4, 7-12 TPT
“The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.”
Philippians 3:7-11 MSG
Paul was not simply providing a recommendation on how we are to actively transition from what was to what is, but cautioning us on the posture of our hearts.
Today, I want us to really take inventory of what Paul was saying and why. Where is your true righteousness found? Is it found in a checklist you completed daily…read scripture, prayed, was nice…check, is it found in how you serve Gods people, maybe it is found in your accomplishments or even how you are using the gifts God gave you for his kingdom. Nothing is wrong with any of these things, they are all great attributes of our Christian walks. Yet, this is not where our true righteousness is found. True righteousness is found in the faithfulness of Christ, and Paul knew this: “rather I become righteous through faith in Christ” (Phil 3:9b NLT).
Just as important as Paul’s command is in Phil 3:13-14, it is equally as important as what preludes before it. God isn’t looking for accolades, pedigree and even all the great works that we do in his name …he’s looking for those who are sincere in heart. Those whose hearts are pure and truly postured towards him. God looks at the heart of the man (Sam 16:7). He’s not concerned with appearance but he cares about character.
Often times that doesn’t looking like “serving” alone and abiding by the principles, standards, rules, and regulations in Gods written word. God is requiring more from us, and that more is not found in what we can do and give in that ways we may initially think. His desire from us is intimacy, and true intimacy is found in how we abide in him and commune with him….in ALL seasons and through ALL circumstances. He wants the faithful and unwavering heart. The one whose character exemplifies His nature. True righteousness is found in the heart of the man.
So my question to you all is…what’s in your heart?
What really lies beneath the surface? When the winds of adversity’s come in like a rushing flood, or your experience blessings and promotions …what flows from your heart?
Paul’s caution is not to be weary of holding on to the former things alone, but to be cautioned with holding on to postures, patterns, habits, mindsets, and routines that we carry with us that don’t reflect the true righteousness of Christ.
Great works are good, but a great heart is even better.
This passage take on a whole new meaning for me today because I now realize that before I can even try position my heart to press forward I need to first make sure that the heart I’m pressing forward in, is truly aligned with the heart of Christ.
As you reflect on Philippians 3 today, I want you to ask yourself what is the position of your heart, and is there areas where you need to reposition how you view righteousness?
What good would it be to do all these great works in the name of Jesus, and even serve his people faithfully if we are misaligned when it comes to the positioning of our hearts?
True righteousness and faithfulness aren’t found in what’s been accomplished or what God has graced us to do, but it’s found in our unwavering heart postures.
Opposed to looking at success as what you’ve completed, look at the condition of your mind, heart, and character in ALL seasons as you navigate ALL people.
Righteousness is found in the faithfulness of Christ and Christ alone, and Christ faithfulness is not condition based it’s rooted in love.
Position yourself accordingly.