As we start 2009, we should refocus our goals and efforts for the Lord Jesus. I believe the attitude the apostle Paul expressed in Philippians 3:12-14 expresses how we ought to think about living for the Lord. Paul explains that he is pressing forward to lay hold of the purpose and calling for which Jesus called him.
Paul was acknowledging that just because Jesus had gotten a hold of him, it did not mean that Paul had a complete hold on the Lord’s purpose. Paul states, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:14) Paul also says, “…but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:12). Paul’s example is this: as Christians, we must continually press forward.
I think the word “press” shows us that there is opposition against the Christian in reaching the goals that the Lord has for us. We fight spirits, the attitude and ways of the world, and often with ourselves. When such lofty goals are placed before us, it is so easy to become discouraged and want to give up. It is easy to feel like we have not accomplished anything when we are actually doing something great for the kingdom of God. We often fall into the trap of accepting the Lord’s goals, but using the world’s standard of measurement.
We need to walk in faith and let the Lord be the judge of our accomplishments. We need to handle the past like Paul did: Paul said, “…this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14)
