This One Thing

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 

If anyone needed to forget the past, it was Paul. Before his conversion, he was a religious zealot, who committed many atrocities against the followers of his now-beloved Lord. These memories must have been truly painful to recall, as he boldly claimed to be the “chiefest” of sinners. We can be sure that Satan did not miss an opportunity to try to discourage Paul, for discouragement can pull a soldier out of battle. But when Satan reminded Paul of his past sins, he pointed to the Blood. In similar fashion the following is said of the Reformer, Martin Luther

He once had the remarkable dream that Satan approached him with a scroll, broad and long, and closely written upon. He proceeded to unroll it before the Reformer's eyes, and bade him read.

Luther did so, and perceived that it contained the record of his sins. In vain he sought to find one sin recorded there of which he had not been guilty. Instead it brought back the recollection of many a long-forgotten one.

When he had thoroughly scanned the scroll, Martin Luther asked Satan, "Is that all my sins?”

"Nay," replied Satan.

"Then let me see them all," said Luther.

Satan departed and shortly returned with another scroll equally broad and long. Again Luther scanned the certain evidence of his guilt. Owning the correctness of the record, he again asked Satan, "Now is that all?”

"Yea," replied Satan, "it is all.”

"Then," said Luther, "take thy pen, and write in red across the scrolls: The blood of Jesus Christ God's Son cleanseth me from all sin.”

Paul's focus was not on the past, but on the future. He was not content with the victories of today. He did not compare himself with other believers, coming out “better” or “worse.” Comparing himself only to Christ, he pressed on with all his might. What an example for us! We can get caught up in wallowing in yesterday's mistakes, or get stuck in today’s victory and stop moving forward. We can focus on ourselves or look to others and get distracted. Instead, let us look only to Christ and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!