Welcome, 2021! Will you do anything differently in 2021?" Can you summarize it in one action or step? I share Paul's determination in his letter to the Philippian Christians. He forgets what's behind, and he strains forward to what is ahead. He presses toward the goal. We could spend time reflecting on the anguish of 2020, but what does that gain you? Instead, let go of the past and intentionally choose to push forward toward God's goal for you in 2021. This talk explores how we, as Jesus followers, can let go and move forward - the one thing we'll do in 2021.

The One Thing

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Philippians 3:12-16 ESV

Who are you?

[1] There are people who give up.

[2] There are people who get sidetracked.

[3] There are people accept the status quo.

Choose NOT to be one of those people.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV

The Path Forward

• Admit the struggle
• Embrace the journey
• Keeping the goal in view

Remember: The reward is worth it!

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Philippians 3:12-16 ESV