Our instinct is to never take our eyes off our past, but the Bible teaches us the opposite: never take your eyes off of those who walk according to the example of Christ in the apostles who are living from heaven’s power and who are anticipating future glory. Here is what the apostle says,

Philippians 3:17–21 ESV “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

Many people are controlled by their past, instead of being controlled by Christ and maturity. They keep their eyes on their enemies and their bad experiences in the past, but they fail to recognize the need to live from heaven and by faith.

I have failed to do this. It is so easy for me to focus on past hurts from people, churches, circumstances and not have my eyes on those who are walking like the apostles did. So, this text corrects my thinking and makes me live for the upward prize.

How about you? Do you have something in your past that you keep your eyes on. Something that you talk about incessantly to others? Something that burdens you again and again?

How about today heeding the Word of God? How about beginning afresh to put your attention on those who walk as friends of Christ, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who anticipate the salvation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? How about living from above while you are here below with faith in the risen Son of God—Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Who or what are you looking at? If you would mature, you will be looking at those who walk with Jesus into the future. If you would remain as you are, you will be continuing to look at the unfortunate failures of the past. Press on, upward, and into the glory of God in Jesus Christ!