The Windshield Or The Rearview Mirror?

By Timothy P. Hadley

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:12-14 NKJV


A post on social media that I saw recently said, “Even though there are days I wish I could change some things that happened in the past, there is a reason the rear view mirror is so small and the windshield is so big. Where you are heading is much more important than what you have left behind!”

The thought came to me, “As we travel down the road of life, where do we spend time looking the most?” As Christians, we need to keep our eyes on the Lord, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith …” (Heb. 12:2). He is the object we should be pressing toward, realizing He has used our past experiences to bring us to this point. We are to press on – intensely endeavoring to go forward, with our eyes on Him who is the prize!

The windshield is big so we can see where we are going and not miss anything that is ahead of us. The Lord has so much in front of you to enjoy, keep reaching forward. Keep pressing ahead! The rear view mirror should only be used to remind us that the way forward is clear! Even our side mirrors are used for passing and moving forward.

Which direction are you looking? Which direction are you moving? As you fix your eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, ask Him to help you make forward progress today!