Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14
There is a verse in Philippians that offers me both encouragement and challenge every time I read it.
Paul writes in chapter 3:12, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Focus on that for just a moment. The Apostle Paul had seen Jesus face-to-face. He had planted churches across the Roman Empire. He had written much of the New Testament.
And yet he writes, “I have not already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal.”
Paul—one of the most important men in the story of God—admits he hasn’t fully arrived yet. And that he continues to press on toward the goal.
If Paul would say that about his spiritual journey, no doubt we should say the same. We have not fully arrived.
I find both encouragement and challenge in this thought.
Challenge, because I know there is work left to be done in my heart.
Encouragement, because I can see I am not a failure just because I am not perfect.
Following Jesus is a journey of constant growth. Of becoming more and more conformed to the image of His Son.
God knows our heart and sees who we are. He does not desert us when we fail Him. Instead, He invites us to continue forward in our faith and faithfulness.
There is an eternal prize to be found. For that reason, and for His glory, we press on each day to grow closer to Jesus. Just like Paul tried to do.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the amazing offer of a new life in relationship with You through faith in Your Son. Help me to receive that gift by grace. And also grant me the passion and strength to press on in growing ever closer to You each day. Amen.