Burn Your Ship!

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 3:13-14

Five hundred years ago, Hernando Cortez sailed to conquer Aztec Mexico. Keep in mind the lengthy travails of an extended sea-voyage in that era. His men became disgruntled on the sea-trip, and some wanted to return home. They weren't sure the promise of gold was worth entering the strange land. They finally arrived. When the supplies were safely unloaded on the beach – Cortez burnt the ships! This removed the possibility of quitting, and concentrated the energy and attention of his men on successful survival in the new land.

In Philippians 3 the apostle Paul made the same choice spiritually. His past, with its success and its shame, he chose to forget -- he set fire to his ship! What mattered to him most was keeping his eyes on the goal of gaining Christ's approval.

It is very easy. . . . to become paralyzed with fear! You are terrified of the past, too petrified of the future, so you are trapped in the “now”!

Reverend Paul’s mindset is one sure mark of Christian maturity. It's what God is working to develop in our lives (Phil. 3:13-15). We can't forget our past, of course, but we don't have to live in it.

Broken Dreams? Leave it behind you!
Broken Promises? Leave it behind you!
Broken Home? Leave it behind you!
Broken Heart? Leave it behind you!
Broken Health? Leave it behind you!

What do you choose? To be stuck in the past or move towards your future?

Copyright (c) 2005 by Kenneth Aveirls, Sr.