Philippians 3: 13-14 “But one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of
God in Christ Jesus.”   The year is now 2017 and I pray that you had a blessed Christmas with family and friends.  The Apostle Paul gives us an important principle in the Christian life as we begin the New Year.  Yes, it is important for us to reflect and learn from the past, but we must never live in the past.  What are your thoughts about the past year and have you closed the year with relief, regret or confidence?  How do you think God looks on the past year in your life?  Did it bring you closer to Him?  Did it expose any personal weaknesses in your Christian walk?  What did you do that will make 2017 an even better year?

Second, what did God teach you this past year?  Can you build on it?  What needs to change and how will you and God make the changes?  We are to never be bound by the past and its problems.  Paul’s goal was to look ahead, forget the past and press on in obedience to Christ.  A leader always looks and plans ahead toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus in his life and for those whom he leads at home, family, work and church.  The mark of a great leader is a clear vision of where he is going and how he is going to lead others.  Our upward call in Christ Jesus is a heavenward call and there can be no greater goal and reward in life.  Most of the world will miss this eternity in the presence of God and His Only Son.  As you live and lead in 2017, share your goal as never before and see what God will do