“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV)
Many people like to look ahead, especially when they have been through a difficult time (or are still in the midst of it). Then they want nothing more than to forget all the trouble and move on with fresh courage.
Paul does something similar. He has a past that many people would be proud of. But for him, his background, education and exemplary life (by Jewish standards) no longer count. He has put all that behind him and now he is focused on only one thing: the heavenly prize God has promised him. He focuses on his task in God’s Kingdom and looks forward to Jesus coming back to complete that Kingdom and fulfill all His promises.
This focus on the future helps Paul keep his earthly life in perspective. It is full of trials, but the prospect of “an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” gives him courage to persevere.
Do you also sometimes tend to lose heart or get distracted by all kinds of things that are actually unimportant? Then keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and the future He offers you!