BY REV. DORAL PULLEY
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:14
There is nothing that we can do to change the past. What has happened has happened. What is done is done. There is nothing that we can do to go back in time and make changes to the course of history. All we can do is deal with our current emotions as they relate to past experiences, learn lessons from yesterday and move forward to face the challenges of today.
As we read Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, we see Paul’s reflection and the progression of his past, his present and his future. Let us be a progressive people who deal with the issues of our day. Let us not be stuck in the past bondages of religion but let us move forward to an ever-unfolding relationship with God today.
When we feel like we can’t move ahead, let us not turn back but let us “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (Exodus 14:13)” until we feel empowered to move forward. When we don’t know how to move forward, let us remember the simple message: Love God, Love yourself and Love everyone else. It’s Just That Simple! “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails (I Corinthians 13:7-8).” Love gives us what we need to progress and move forward.
Finally, as we look at the history of our country, we see the progression of God and the liberation of all people to various degrees. Women have been liberated with the right to vote and own land and property. Blacks have been liberated so much so that we had an African American President of the United States of America. Jews have also been liberated and have a place of prosperity and prominence in our society. Same gender loving couples have been given marriage equality. Let’s keep moving forward. Who will be the next group of marginalized and oppressed people to be liberated?
Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Unity Temple of Truth Church, 511 Prescott St. S, St. Petersburg.
