The Forward Lean

Living Into the Excellence of Christ

“Forgetting what is behind and reaching out for what is ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13–14

Paul didn’t discard his credentials because they were false. They were real. Impressive. Hard-earned. They represented years of devotion, study, discipline, and sincere longing to please God. The problem wasn’t that Paul had learned nothing—it was that what he had learned could no longer carry the weight of what God had now revealed in Christ.

Those credentials belonged to an earlier chapter. They were faithful for their time, but they were no longer sufficient. They described a life built on law-keeping and boundary-drawing, on proving righteousness rather than receiving it. When Christ met Paul, he didn’t erase Paul’s past; he exposed its limits. What once felt like solid ground suddenly felt small, incomplete—outpaced by grace.

So in The Message, Paul says he threw it all out with the trash. Not because it had no value, but because compared to knowing Christ, it had lost its claim to be central. It was an old map for a road God was no longer asking him to walk. What Paul discovered was not better information, but a better way of being human—life no longer managed by performance, but animated by relationship. As Billy Graham said, Christ demands first place. Not as a rival to our achievements, but as the fulfillment they could never reach on their own.

Choosing life begins right there: when we stop leaning on what once defined us and start trusting the One who now calls us forward. At the foot of the cross, resumes don’t matter. Titles don’t travel well into resurrection life. The ground is level, and grace sets the terms.

Paul is careful to say he hasn’t mastered this yet. Faith, for him, is not completion but direction. “I’m not saying that I have this all together,” he writes in The Message, “but I am well on my way.” He keeps moving because Christ has already taken hold of him. That forward motion requires a kind of holy forgetting—not erasing the past, but refusing to let it run the present. D. L. Moody put it plainly: we cannot be filled if we are already full. Even good things, once absolutized, can keep us from receiving what God wants to give next.

So Paul lets go—of past failures, yes, but also of past successes. He doesn’t look back to measure himself by who he was. He leans forward, trusting who Christ is still shaping him to become. He is off and running, and he will not turn back.

When Christ becomes the center, we don’t lose what truly matters. We gain clarity. We gain freedom. We gain a life no longer propped up by self-made righteousness, but carried by grace. This passage quietly asks us: what knowledge, habits, or achievements—good in their time—are we still clinging to as if they were ultimate?

D. L. Moody once said the world has yet to see what God can do with someone fully surrendered. Paul would add that surrender often means letting even our best religious accomplishments take their rightful place. As we live up to the light we have already received, we discover that the prize is not merely a future reward. It is Christ himself—present, active, and transforming us from the inside as we press on, heavenward, step by faithful step.

Lord Jesus,
loosen our grip on what once defined us—
even the good things we’ve outgrown.
Teach us to value knowing You
more than proving ourselves.
Help us forget what weighs us down
and lean forward into Your grace,
pressing on with humble hearts
toward the life You are calling us into.
Amen.

 

Heavenly Wisdom vs. Earthly Ambition

How Godly Wisdom Brings Peace

God at the Center

(James 3:13-18; 4:1-5)

A Call to Surrender

The Fruits of Wisdom

Peace, Purity, and Gentleness

Living Humbly in the Light of God’s Grace

James, in his letter to the early church, contrasts two types of wisdom: one that is earthly, unspiritual, and marked by bitter envy and selfish ambition, and another that is from above, characterized by purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy. As we delve into James 3:13-18 and 4:1-5, we find that the pursuit of wisdom requires more than intellect; it demands a life lived in humble surrender to God’s ways. The world teaches us to seek our own gain, to win at all costs, and to protect our own interests, but God’s wisdom calls us to a different path—one of peace, gentleness, and surrender.

The Two Kinds of Wisdom

James begins by asking, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” (James 3:13, ESV). True wisdom is not proven by knowledge or rhetoric but by the fruit it bears. William Barclay reflects on this passage by stating, “True wisdom is not mere head knowledge; it is a matter of the heart and the life.” Barclay reminds us that the person who is truly wise does not boast of their wisdom or use it for personal gain but shows it in their actions, specifically in how they treat others.

James contrasts two sources of wisdom: earthly and heavenly. Earthly wisdom, driven by selfish ambition and envy, leads to disorder and “every vile practice” (James 3:16, ESV). This kind of wisdom seeks to elevate oneself, often at the expense of others. In contrast, wisdom from above is marked by peace, gentleness, and mercy. Matthew Henry notes, “Meekness of spirit is a grace that adorns the soul, and it is the great evidence of true wisdom.” Henry’s insight shows that true wisdom is not found in dominance or aggression but in a meek and humble spirit that seeks peace.

The Source of Conflict

James 4:1 opens with a probing question: “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you?” His answer is blunt: these conflicts come from the passions at war within us. Our desires, unchecked and self-serving, lead to strife. Eugene Peterson sheds light on this when he writes, “The problem is not that we want too much, but that we are asking for the wrong things.” We often pursue what we think will bring us fulfillment, but these pursuits only lead to frustration, envy, and division.

In James 4:2-3, we see that much of our striving comes from a misplaced focus: we desire things to satisfy our own cravings rather than seeking to align our desires with God’s will. Peterson’s point reinforces James’ teaching: our prayers and pursuits are not answered because they are rooted in selfishness. Instead of seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness, we are often driven by the pursuit of our own ambitions.

The Call to Humility

As James reveals the heart of the issue—our passions and selfish desires—he calls us to humble ourselves before God. Charles Spurgeon explains, “As long as we are proud, we cannot receive the grace of God. Humility is the posture that allows God’s grace to flow into our hearts.” Spurgeon reminds us that the wisdom from above is a gift of grace, and we must be in the right posture—humble and surrendered—to receive it.

Humility is not simply thinking less of ourselves but thinking rightly about ourselves in light of who God is. James 4:5 speaks to this as he warns against friendship with the world, which sets us up as enemies of God. Alexander Maclaren adds, “Worldliness puts self at the center and God at the circumference, but true wisdom puts God at the center and self at the circumference.” Maclaren’s words capture the heart of James’ teaching: true wisdom and peace come when we put God at the center of our lives and surrender our selfish desires.

Wisdom that Leads to Peace

The wisdom from above produces peace, both within our own hearts and in our relationships with others. James 3:18 tells us, “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” This heavenly wisdom stands in stark contrast to the disorder and conflict caused by selfish ambition. Instead of striving and quarreling, the wise person seeks to live in harmony with others, to build bridges rather than walls.

Eugene Peterson notes, “God’s wisdom is relational—it is always lived out in community.” The fruits of wisdom—purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy—are not abstract virtues; they are lived out in how we interact with others. This is why James repeatedly emphasizes the connection between our desires, our wisdom, and our relationships. When we live according to earthly wisdom, driven by selfish desires, it inevitably leads to conflict. But when we live according to heavenly wisdom, seeking peace and mercy, we reflect the heart of God in our communities.

Living in the Light of God’s Wisdom

As we reflect on the teachings of James 3:13-18 and 4:1-5, we are called to examine our own lives. 

Do we operate from a wisdom that seeks our own advantage, or do we humbly submit to the wisdom from above? 

William Barclay challenges us to consider the fruit of our lives: “Wisdom shows itself in how we live, in what we pursue, and in how we treat others.” If we are living according to God’s wisdom, we will be marked by humility, peace, and gentleness.

In this age of division and conflict, the call to pursue peace and gentleness is more urgent than ever. It shatters the expectations of a world that prizes dominance and self-promotion. The wisdom from above is not loud or boastful, but gentle and full of mercy, seeking the good of others over self.

Conclusion

James’ call to pursue heavenly wisdom reminds us that the path to peace is found in humility and surrender. Earthly wisdom leads to strife, while heavenly wisdom leads to peace, gentleness, and mercy. As we seek to live out these truths, may we remember the words of Spurgeon: “Humility is the key to receiving the grace of God.” When we put God at the center of our lives, surrendering our selfish desires, we begin to live in the light of His wisdom—a wisdom that brings peace to our hearts and to our world.

Key Verses:

James 3:17 (ESV): “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

James 4:1-2 (ESV): “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.”

Keeping Christ at the Center

Navigating Worldly Temptations in Church Communities

In the midst of the challenges and distractions of the world, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters in our lives and in our church communities. St. Paul reminds us that as members of the body of Christ, each of us has a unique role to play in keeping Christ at the center of our lives and our communities. However, the allure of power, money, and worldly success often leads us astray, shifting our focus away from the teachings of Jesus and towards the values of the world.

Jesus Himself warns us against being consumed by the temptations of the world—physical pleasure, possessions, and pride. These distractions can lead us away from our spiritual path and hinder our relationship with God. While it's not inherently wrong to enjoy the blessings of this world, we must be vigilant not to prioritize them over our faith and obedience to God.

As we examine our church communities, let us reflect on whether we are truly living out the teachings of Jesus. Are we prioritizing service to others and the needs of our community over personal gain? Do we hunger and thirst for righteousness, or are we driven by a desire for wealth and status? Let us also consider the example set by our church leaders—are they humble servants of God, or are they focused on worldly success and acclaim?

In a world where material wealth and success are often equated with happiness and fulfillment, it's essential to remember the words of Jesus: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world." As followers of Christ, our ultimate treasure lies in the kingdom of God, not in the fleeting pleasures of this world. Let us strive to align our lives with His will, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, and trusting that He will provide for our needs.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us to keep our hearts and minds focused on You amidst the distractions of this world. Give us the strength to resist the temptations of power, wealth, and worldly success, and to prioritize service to others and obedience to Your will. Guide our church communities to be beacons of Your light, shining brightly in a world filled with darkness. May we always seek first Your kingdom and righteousness, trusting in Your provision and eternal promises. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Beholding the Glory of God in Christ

The Glory of God Revealed

Reflections on Christ’s Sacrifice and Exaltation

How Jesus Makes God Known to Us

In Hebrews 1:3, we read, "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." This verse is a powerful declaration of who Christ is and how He perfectly reveals the glory of God. In Christ, the invisible God becomes visible. Everything about Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and exaltation—reveals to us what God is like.

Matthew Henry beautifully comments on this passage, saying, “The apostle begins with a lofty description of the person of Christ, his glory and dignity, his relation to the Father, and the work he has done for us. God the Father is the fountain of all being, and all perfection; God the Son is the full and flat resemblance of his Father’s glory.” Christ doesn’t just reflect God's glory as a mirror would; He radiates it from His very being. In Him, we see the fullness of God’s nature displayed in human form.

Charles Spurgeon, reflecting on the glory of Christ, once preached, “Jesus, in all His offices, exhibits the glory of God. He that hath seen Him hath seen the Father. As the truth of God is most plainly revealed in Christ, so is the mercy of God most sweetly made manifest in Him.” Christ's life is a window through which we can gaze upon the character of God. His compassion, His justice, His mercy, and His power all point to the grandeur of the Almighty.

It is in the sacrificial love of Christ that we see the glory of God shining most brightly. Spurgeon once remarked, “Christ loved you before all worlds; long ere the day-star flung his ray across the darkness, before the wings of angels had flapped the unnavigated ether, before aught of creation had struggled from the womb of nothingness, God, even our God, had set His heart upon all His children.” It was this eternal love that led Christ to the cross, where He bore the full weight of our sins, revealing both the depths of God’s justice and the heights of His mercy.

When Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, He was not only securing our redemption but also manifesting the glory of God in a way that nothing else could. The cross, which to the world may seem like a place of shame and defeat, is in reality the greatest display of God’s glory. As Hebrews 1:3 reminds us, after Christ had purged our sins, He "sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." His work was finished, His victory complete, and His exaltation secured. 

Matthew Henry further reflects on this, stating, “Here is the glory of the gospel, that He who was the brightness of His Father's glory, and the express image of His person, was employed to bring back a lost world to God.” In Christ, we see the glory of God’s redemptive plan unfolded before us. The radiance of God’s glory shines brightest in the face of Jesus Christ, who, in His humility, became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8).

As we reflect on these truths, let us be moved to worship. The glory of God, so perfectly revealed in Christ, calls us to respond with awe and reverence. Spurgeon rightly said, “The more you know about Christ, the less will you be satisfied with superficial views of Him; and the more deeply you study His transactions in the eternal covenant, His engagements on your behalf as the eternal Surety, and the fullness of His grace which shines in all His offices, the more truly will you see the King in His beauty.”

In Christ, we are given the privilege to behold the glory of God, not from a distance, but intimately, as those who have been redeemed by His blood. The more we gaze upon Christ, the more we are transformed by His glory. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

May our lives be a reflection of this glory, as we continually look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let us live in such a way that others might see the glory of God in us, pointing them to the Savior who reveals God’s glory most clearly.