S. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
O. Paul knew his past and considered it behind him. He was certain of God’s call - yet he knew had not “arrived.” He knew that he was not as much like Christ as he desired or could be. That was his goal - to become more like Christ Jesus and using the time he had on earth to move toward that goal.
A. Similar to Paul (but nowhere near where he was spirituall speaking), I know my past and I know what the Lord has called me to. I have put the past behind me and have pressed on toward the call of God in my life - but I have certainly (like Paul) not arrived. There is much more growth I need. There is so much more grace I need. I have much more room for spiritual growth. I am willing to listen. I am willing to learn. I am willing to try new things. I am willing to press on, to stretch forward to be more liike Jesus.
P. Thank you Jesus for your word. Thank you for Paul’s example. I too desire to grow more amd more toward that goal, the goal of becoming more like you. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to press forward in becoming more like the Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
