"We Do Not Give Up"! - HOW PAUL'S EXAMPLE CAN BENEFIT US!

Consider how Paul was exerting himself when he wrote to the Philippians.  he was under house arrest in Rome.  His freedom was severely limited.  Yet, he kept busy by witnessing to visitors and writing letters to distant congregations. Likewise  today, many Christians who are housebound take advantage of every opportunity  to share the good new with those who come to their home.  They also write encouraging letters to housewives who cannot be reached by  personal visit.

Paul did not allow himself to be distracted, either by past accomplishments or by past mistakes.  In fact, he said that "forgetting the things  behind" was essential to "stretch forward to the things ahead, "  that is, to completing the race successfully.  (Read Philippians 3:12-14)  What were some of the things that could have distracted Paul?  First, his accomplishments in Judaism were impressive. Yet, he viewed those things as "a lot of refuse."  (Philippians 3:3-8)  Second, he did not allow guilt over his earlier persecution of Christians to paralyze him. And third, he did not reason that he had already done enough for Jehovah.  Paul had a productive  ministry despite being imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked, as well as lacking food and clothing.  (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)  However, regardless of what he had already accomplished and suffered, Paul knew that he must press on. The same is true of us.

 How can we imitate Paul's example in "forgetting the things behind?"  Some of us may need to overcome feelings of guilt because of past sins. If so, why not start a personal study project that focuses on  Christi's ransom sacrifice? If we study, meditate, and pray about that up-building  subject, we may do much to relieve unnecessary guilt.  We may even stop  punishing ourselves of sins that Jehovah has forgiven.  Consider another lesson we can learn from Paul.  Some may have given up a potentially lucrative career in order to pursue Kingdom interests.  If so, we forge the things behind by refusing to look back longingly  at material opportunities  we might have missed?  (Numbers 11:4-6; Ecclesiastes 7:10)  "The things behind"   might even include things that we accomplished or trials that we endured in the past. Of course looking back on the way Jehovah has blessed and supported us over the years can draw us closer to our Father. However, we never want to become self-satisfied, imagining that our work is done. - 1 CORINTHIANS 15:58.

Paul well understood Jesus' words:  "Exert yourself vigorously." (Luke 13:23, 24)  Paul knew  that, like Christ, he must exert himself to the very end.  He thus compared the Christian course to a race.  (Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)  A runner stays focused on the finish line avoids distractions.  For example,  runners in an urban race today may follow a course that is lined with businesses and other potential diversions.  Can you imagine a runner would stop to examine the goods displayed in the store window?? Not if  he want to win!  In the race for life, we too must avoid distractions.  If we stay focused on our goal, exerting ourselves vigorously as Paul did, we will win the prize!


Next time: "We  Do Not Give Up"! - MEETING CHALLENGES TO OUR FAITH

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