One Thing I Do
Paul the Apostle, who once persecuted those who believed in Jesus, encountered Jesus as a radiant light on the road to Damascus. This encounter transformed him into a disciple of Christ. Paul possessed profound knowledge of Scripture and became an exceptional preacher, traveling throughout Asia Minor on missionary journeys. Through his ministry, many were converted, and numerous churches were established.
During this third missionary journey, Paul was arrested while passing through Jerusalem and sent to Rome, where he spent approximately two years in prison before his life came to an end.
The letter to the Philippians, is one of the letters Paul wrote during his final imprisonment. It provides insight into his faith during his last days (Phi 3:13-14). Paul declared that he focused on one thing: forgetting the past and pressing forward to what lies ahead.
- He Does Not Remember Disappointments
Paul served Jesus with unwavering passion for 15 years, enduring tremendous hardships and physical suffering (2 Cor 11:23-27). It is said that those who work zealously for God encounter certain temptations, such as the “spirit of disappointment” or the “spirit of pride.”
This temptation might whisper: “I have worked so hard, endured so much persecution, yet why do others face no hardship or persecution?” In such moments, the devil subtly plants seeds of pride and resentment, causing the faithful to feel unnoticed or unappreciated.
There is a man named John the Baptist, who was born six months before Jesus and was given the mission of preparing the way for Him. Fo the sake of God’s work, John left the comfort of home and lived in the wilderness. He refrained from drinking wine and often fasted.
However, a time came when John was imprisoned. Given all his dedication, one might have expected Jesus to visit him or perhaps perform a miracle to release him. Yet, Jesus neither visited John nor freed him.
As a result, a sense of disappointment quietly crept into John’s heart. The very man who had boldly testified that Jesus was the Messiah now voiced doubt, asking, “Are You the Expected One, or should we look for someone else?” (Luke 7:19). What a clear example of being ensnared by the spirit of pride and disappointment!
The Bible also records a contrasting situation. A Gentile woman came to Jesus, pleading for help because her daughter was possessed by a demon. Jesus responded, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” Imagine how disheartening it must have been to hear such words!
Despite such a response, the woman overcame the spirit of disappointment. She humbly acknowledged Jesus’ words, saying that even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table (Mark 7:25-28). Because of her unwavering faith, her daughter was healed.
What is Paul emphasizing here? He is urging us to forget the past, particularly the moments of disappointment. It is a blessing to remember God’s Word, but when it comes to suffering and hardship, forgetting is a blessing.
Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh, declaring that God had made him forget all his troubles and his father’s household (Gen 41:51-52).
- Focus on the Mission
Paul the Apostle reminds us to forget what is behind and press on toward what lies ahead. What lies ahead is the mission given by God. Therefore, we must remember the mission God has entrusted to us and work diligently to fulfil it.
What Missions Do We Have?
- The Fundamental Mission as Believers
Our basic mission is to study the Word and bear witness to Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
- Individual Missions
Each of us has personal missions that correspond to our roles and callings (Acts 6:3-4). This includes roles such as deacons, elders, and other leadership positions within the church.
- Church-Wide Mission
There are also missions that pertain to the church as a whole. An example is the Redemptive History Seminar, which is part of the church’s mission.
In 2025, we have been given a special mission: the HORA Youth Conference. This is a mission that requires all of us to work and prepare together. To fulfil this special mission, we must let go of past disappointments and unite, despite our differences.
Colossians 2:19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.
We cannot all be exactly the same, but if we hold fast to the same Head – Jesus Christ – we can unite as one. I believe that when we are united, we can fulfil our church’s mission.
Beloved congregation, let us remember Paul’s final exhortation: Forget what is behind and press on toward what lies ahead.
As our church holds its 2nd AGM today, I pray in the name of the Lord that we will experience the blessing of forgetting the past and pressing forward toward the future, embracing the mission that lies before us.
The Lord's Covenant Church Malaysia 