Scriptures: Philippians 3:12-14
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own…..Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul offered encouragement and food for thought by writing letters. He spoke out of his own experience and readily accepted that he was not perfect. In perspective, for those who intend to make progress in life, knowing that they still need to improve themselves is what drives them forward.
For one who thinks that he is already good at what he is doing and is perfect, it is unlikely that he will make much effort to develop himself further. As for one who thinks that life is a challenge and there is still a lot for him to learn, he will not be complacent but to try to improve himself. A case in point, there are people who never stop breaking their own record simply because they realize there is room for them to improve further.
However, there will be instances that no matter how hard we have tried, the result might not be what we have expected. Paul advised us not to ponder what was behind and not to dwell with what’s in the past. He emphasized to forget the past and to start again. People learn from mistakes to become perfect; they are prepared to improve themselves whenever there is a chance for them to do so.
Paul also advised us to concentrate on setting new targets even though we have failed many times. Each failure is the stepping stone toward a successful venture. Every successful man will share the same experience that success does not come easy but is through steadfastness and perseverance after many failed attempts.
Do not therefore stop thinking about improving oneself because what lies ahead is greater than what is in the past. Paul was able to do it because it was God who gave him strength. So today, even though we are not yet perfect but let’s be resolute to perfect ourselves. Not by our own might and strength but with the God by our side, we shall achieve all things.