“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12
What goals did you set yourself at the beginning of this year? What resolutions did you make? Most of us are quite good at starting to pursue our goals and dreams…but finishing is all that counts. Somewhere between the starting gun and the finish line, the newness wears off and reality sets in, and it is so easy to give up.
Is your walk with Christ any different? I hope so! A relationship with the God of the universe should not be one of many priorities. He is not a slot on a calendar or an item on a to-do list. Following Him does not take place in a couple of hours each Sunday. Jesus is not part of a Christian’s life – He is a Christian’s life. There is a huge difference between the two. The Apostle Paul understood this difference.
The phrase Paul used to describe his relationship with Christ was, “I press on.” This phrase doesn’t merely mean to follow or run, but a heated pursuit. It means to run after something as if to chase it. Do you remember playing the game of “Chase” as a child? Someone always had to be “it.” That person had to chase someone until he caught him. In Philippians 3, Paul is declaring himself “it” as he chases after Christ.
What is interesting about this metaphor is that through faith, Paul already “has” Jesus, doesn’t he? So why run so hard after Someone you already believe in and have a relationship with? What is it Paul is pressing on to take hold of if he is already saved? I am going to let you ponder that question on your own. Later this week as we continue in Philippians 3 I think God will answer that question for us.
Are you pressing on after Jesus with all your heart? Let this be the year that you not only start well but also finish strong. Make this the year that you chase after Jesus with full abandon and steadfast faith.
Holy Father, what peace I have knowing that I don’t have to be perfect, just persistent. Please help me to press on with Your help today through all of the noise, distractions, and temptations that surround me. Draw me nearer to Your heart so that I may glorify Your name today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Topics: Perseverance
