It’s really easy—particularly during this ongoing pandemic—to look back, “remember when,” and think about the “good old days,” even if the good old days were just eighteen months ago. It’s also easy to look back and somewhat rest on our spiritual laurels. We can think about the generations that our family has been involved in this church (or any church) and about how our great grandparents were members here. We can remember that every generation since then has been members here. I can celebrate that I was baptized, confirmed, and even came back here after college—and am still a member.
Yes, our spiritual pedigree can look good. But at the end of the day, it’s just a pedigree.
The Apostle Paul claimed an incredible spiritual pedigree (see Philippians 3:4-6). However, Paul suggests that this pedigree—his family history, his spiritual past—is “garbage.” The Greek word here is “skubalon.” It is used to refer to the “presents” your neighbor’s dog leaves in your yard. That lets you know how focused on the past Paul is.
Paul chooses to focus on the present and on the future. I love the words he uses: “press on.” I envision an Olympic runner straining hard towards the finish line, stretching, reaching, and striving to break the tape. The race isn’t over until the tape, and as Paul presses on, he inspires me—pedigree aside—to do the same.