S – Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, ¹⁴ I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you

Philippians 3:13–15 CSB

O – After listing his qualities as a Jewish leader, Paul says he hasn’t accomplished what God has for him. He gives a great call to “neglect, overlook” what is in the past and stretch forward to what is before us.  God’s call on our life is found in front of us.  Those who are more experienced will have this mindset.

A – Our past is always there with a message.  It can emphasize how good or bad we were in a prior moment.  Once that has occurred, it is there in our memory.  We need to grow in our relationship with Christ where our past doesn’t slow us down or puff us up.  The three elements of God are faith, love and hope.  Love is present and the other two deal with the future.  Today, we need to forgive or learn from the past and express love in the present.  We grow from a “future” mindset.

R – Lord, you know my past.  The times I have sinned, let you down and been forgiven.  You also know when I have “won” in a challenge.  Let all of my past be a building block for my ability to demonstrate your love today.  I look with great expectations to what you have before me.  I submit to your will today.