The Grace of Holy Forgetfulness

Philippians 3:7-14

As we navigate life's transitions—whether it's a new year, a new job, or just a new day—most of us carry heavy luggage. Some of that luggage is weighed down by old mistakes. Surprisingly, some of it is filled with our proudest trophies and past gold stars.

While we are taught that remembering the past is a virtue, there is a profound power in what the Bible calls "Holy Forgetfulness." This isn't about having a bad memory; it's about the freedom of no longer being defined by who you were so you can become who you are meant to be in Christ.

The Rearview Mirror Trap

Imagine trying to drive down a highway while keeping your eyes fixed firmly on the rearview mirror. You might see exactly where you've been, but you'll almost certainly crash into what's right in front of you.

Many of us live our spiritual lives exactly like that. We stare at the "view from behind"—obsessing over a temper we couldn't control or a habit we couldn't break. Whether it's shame or pride, staring backward keeps us from finding our rest. Jesus offers us a different way, promising in

 Matt 11:28-30 that we can find true rest for our souls in Him.

The Danger of "Good" Baggage

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul had an incredible "religious resume." He was highly educated, disciplined, and successful. Yet, in his letter to the church at Philippi, he says something shocking: he considers all those achievements "rubbish" (Phil 3:7-8) compared to the worth of knowing Christ.

The danger of carrying around a "trophy reel" of our own goodness is that it creates a false sense of security. If we think our own good deeds are enough, we stop running to Jesus. Paul teaches that we should not rely on a righteousness of our own that comes from obeying the law, but rather the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ (Phil 3:9).

The Art of Letting Go

How do we actually practice this kind of forgetfulness? Paul gives us the blueprint: “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead" (Phil 3:13).

• Confess It and Leave It: Holy forgetfulness isn't about ignoring sin; it's about confessing it. When you bring your failures into the light, you can trust that God has cast them into the depths of the sea (Mic 7:19). You don't need to keep auditing a debt He has already paid.

• Stop Replaying Your Trophies: If you feel superior to others because of your habits or your "clean" record, remember Paul’s audit. Your identity is not found in your success, but in being "found in Him" (Phil 3:9).

• Focus on the Prize: The "prize" of life isn't a trophy; it is Jesus Himself. Paul says his goal is to "press on to possess that perfection, for which Christ Jesus first possessed me" (Phil 3:12).

  
  

The Finish Line is Ahead

The finish line is never behind us. You cannot run a race effectively if you are busy trying to pick up the chains that have already been broken or the heavy trophies you've already won.

Today, give yourself the grace to forget. Leave the weight of your shame and the noise of your pride behind. There is a "new today" waiting for you, and it requires both of your hands to be empty so you can reach for the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us (Phil 3:14).

This blog is based on a sermon preached by The Rev. Paul Becker, titled "The Grace of Holy Forgetfulness," at the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown. You can watch the full message on YouTube here: The Grace of Holy Forgetfulness.