Four Keys to a Fruitful Future By Rev. J.

Patrick Bowman

The Apostle Paul, writing in Philippians chapter 3, makes a statement that I consider a cornerstone for anyone wanting to build a bright and fruitful future in God. 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. (Php 3:13-14 KJV) In my own life experience and in counseling others over the years, I have found four keys presented by Paul in this passage to be essential for Christian growth. The first of these keys is humility. Paul spends the verses leading up to verse 13 painting a picture of what he had once put confidence in by the flesh. He had birth right privileges as a native Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, the favored tribe where the temple stood, the tribe who did not revolt against Judah. Benjamin, Jacobs love. Pauls father and mother were both pure Jews. No mixing of the bloodline in his family tree. His pedigree was sure. His covenant relationship was ratified by circumcision on the eighth day, as God commanded. His education was at the feet of the honored Gamaliel. Paul, the Pharisee, whose lack of breach in word and deed left him blameless before men, and as a zealot, persecuting those whom he saw as enemies of the faith of his fathers. To all this Paul said If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more (verse 4) But in verses 7 and 8, we see Pauls humility before the living God. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Php 3:7-8 KJV) A proud heritage, a good upbringing, an excellent education, a position of prestige, an impeccable work ethic, all counted as dung by a humbled man before his God. According to the prophet Micah, humility is a requirement of walking right with God: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Mic 6:8 KJV) In the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus shared the parable about the man who takes the high seat at the wedding feast and is later asked to move, He said: For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luk 14:11 KJV) Church father, St. Augustine said, Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues; hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance. Humility, of course, is the hallmark of Jesus life. His story of coming to us as a man, becoming sin for us, and taking the death penalty for our sin is the most complete picture of humility to ever be presented. The second key is forgetting the past. Paul said this was the first half of the one, or essential thing he continually did. Many people tend to hang their hats on past successes or degrade themselves for past

failures. A man or woman eager to move on with God must let go of both. Remember, this great son of Israel was also a murderer of those of The Way, and a persecutor of God himself. The realization of his failures could have held Paul in as much bondage as a prideful attachment to his successes. I have counseled people who were crippled in their ability to move on in life because of past failures; a divorce or other failed relationship, loss of a job, or bad financial decisions, just to name a few. On the other hand, I have worked with people so attached to the glory days behind them that they were ineffective in the present and showed little interest in their future. They parked their identity at a successful past and have set the emergency brake, unable to move forward. We are to learn from our failures and successes, they are both a part of who we are. But we should never let the past dictate our present or future potential. Hurt associated with both past mistakes or the inability to hold on to a glorious past can keep us in bondage. And sometimes the hurts come from outside us, inflicted by others either purposefully or in ignorance. These soul wounds, are an opening for Satan to hook us in our minds and emotions. He will try to use these hurts as anchors to try and keep us focused on what was. Much illness, or dis-ease, comes into our lives as the enemy exploits these hurts to his advantage. Seeking God earnestly for the healing of these wounds and then allowing His healing to do its work is the only way to break free. The pain of recognition of these hurts is often uncomfortable to us. Forgiveness is often a major factor in our healing- not only forgiving others, but forgiving ourselves. The process of reconciliation with ourselves over mistakes made, opportunities lost, and relationships torn apart is essential if we are to move forward. The hard part is surrendering it all to Him. Know that the same Holy Spirit that brings these hurts to the surface is also able to see us through to complete health and wholeness. The third key is akin to the second: reaching forward. God is a God of now. His kingdom is here and now, with an intimacy and immediacy build into it. His mercies are renewed each morning. Each new day is an opportunity to partner with the Holy Spirit to accomplish what He wants to do in us and through us. Reaching forward is not fueled by presumption but built on faith. Paul speaks to us again in Ephesians chapter 5 with these words: See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Eph 5:15-17 KJV) Wise people walk circumspectly, that is diligently with exactness. That is a narrow path. I often picture this as hiking on a mountain trail. There is little room for error with a 300 foot ravine on one side of you and an unmovable rock wall on the other. Missteps are costly and sometimes fatal, so we best know where our steps are taking us. We must buy back, or redeem the time. This is forward motion, reaching for the future God has envisioned for us in faith. These are evil days that can be walked through in victory as we understand what the will of the Lord is for our lives and carry it out. Having the right goal is the fourth key to Christian growth and a bright future. All of Pauls efforts were focused on one thing: to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Christ was his prize, Christ was his goal. No other goal is worthy of our efforts. Paul was not about to get sidetracked in the race. His desire was to finish well, to get the prize. The world will offer us its own prizes along the way; fame, fortune, power, money. Many things will try to distract our focus and rule our affections. Running the race to win will cost us everything in the flesh. Take the high road. Dont let others pull you down to their level. Lift them up to yours. Run hard, run strong. To conform to the image of Jesus, we must not get off the path. Study the Word. Pray. Stay close to the Guide. He will light your path, guide your steps, and lead you to the finish line.