’’Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prise of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus“ (Philippians 3:13, 14 NKJV).

Here are some helpful lessons Paul has for us:

1) Don’t allow the past to defeat you.

You don’t have to live with guilt. There is real forgiveness. You don’t have to live with regret. Your repentance will be met with God’s loving cleansing. Don’t let the devil put condemnation on you. Even if you left a trail and broken lives behind you, our God is a God of new beginnings.

2) Develop a positive attitude toward difficulties.

Paul did. Never forget that problems are an important part of life. God gives growth in adversities. Most people change only under pressure. And by pressure I mean difficulties. They can produce blessing and fruitfulness. But it’s not automatic. We must have the right attitude. When we do, God gives grace.

3) Keep yourself in the love of God.

Let God love you. Somehow God says you’re worth loving. And the cross shows it. Never question it. What can be greater than to be a child of God? His love is underserved and unchanging.

4) Accept what you cannot change.

You cannot change another person against his or her will. You cannot change the fact that a loved one has died. You cannot change the fact that you are getting older. But you can change your attitude. Acceptance stops a lot of hurt. Learn to be content. Paul learned to be content in prison!

5) Intensity your spiritual life – specialize in it!

Develop a more radical commitment to Christ. Invest more time, more energy, and more financial resources in the Lord’s work. Establish priorities. Strive for excellence. Go for maturity. Don’t over schedule your life with secondary things. Cut out the dead wood. Make room for spiritual growth by self-denial.

6) Determine to take an attitude of love, goodwill and forgiveness towards others.

There’s nothing uglier than a bad attitude. It rots the soul. Keep your spirit sweet. Let God’s love shine through your life. Acknowledge as Lord of your disposition. He is the greatest attitude transformer. All spiritual progress is at the expense of the ego. Win your battles against pride.

7) Learn to live one day at a time.

That’s all you can handle anyway. Most of us spend a great deal of effort crossing bridges to which we never come. God’s promise is:”As your days, so shall be your strength” (Deuteronomy 33:25). Every morning say to yourself, “This is the day which the Lord has made: we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24).

Somebody tries once to scare Will Rogers, the cowboy philosopher, by asking him: “If you had only 48 hours to live how you would spend them?”. He replied, “One at a time.” Same here!