Press ON

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 

(Philippians 3:12 NKJV)

In life, most people have goals that they wish to reach, some take strategic steps to achieve their goals while others make wishes but do nothing.  Unfortunately, there are also people who have no determined goals and take each day as is, waiting for what will happen the following day.  While we are not in control of what happens in future days, we do remain hopeful that there will be a positive outcome in the days ahead.  It is one thing to just keep waiting and hoping and another when we are clear on what we are expecting and consequently take focused steps towards reaching it.  The goal could be short-term or long-term, it could be simple or just aspirational and therefore calling for more than we are able to offer right now or explain.  Great planners tell us that when we have a goal, we need to see it in small chewable bits so that we remain in the path to achieving the ultimate goal. These small steps also help us to know of the progress that we are making, and when we see positive movement, then we are encouraged to keep on the journey.

The book of Philippians was written by Apostle Paul who is highly celebrated in the faith and yes, he was an achiever and had a lot to show for his accomplishments.  At the beginning of chapter 3 (Philippians 3:3-6), he starts by saying that if it is an issue of achieving and being boastful, he had great successes of his days and clearly, he did it all with zeal and focus.  The achievements enumerated were admirable and placed him on a level of recognition and respect going by the standards of men. Yet Paul was not satisfied.  Brethren, we can look at what we have achieved so far, and this could make us proud of how great we are.  This is not what happened with Apostle Paul, he looked at his achievements and called them worthless compared to what he was seeking to achieve (Philippians 3:7-11).  He had found a more precious goal and higher purpose, if only he would get to know more of Christ Jesus, be found in Him alone and know the power of His resurrection even share in His suffering.  This was a higher calling that compelled Paul to put aside anything else that he thought he knew and the accolades of men - he had found a great goal and wealth.  I am reminded of how the Kingdom of God is described (Matthew 13:44) as a treasure hidden in the field for which he who finds it happily sells all else he has in order to purchase the field.  Paul found the treasure of the Kingdom of God, the power of knowing Jesus, he chose to gain Chris and be found in him.  This was a compelling find so that he rubbished all else which he had esteemed before.

Brethren, it is worth our questioning of what we have found and what we are following.  When we identify what we are pursuing, then we are encouraged and emboldened to give all else that we might gain the treasure we have found.  The conviction we carry of the value of our treasure becomes our fuel to stay the journey.  Apostle Paul in our reference verse says that he is keeping his eyes on the goal until he attains it, pressing forward.  The journey will not be easy but the reward is worth it, we press through and not give up, we keep our eyes looking ahead forgetting what is behind us (Philippians 3:13), whether good or bad, it is in the past and our focus and reach is ahead of us. The path we are on is led by the Holy Spirit who has been here before us, we are not alone and so despite distractions, beloved let us keep pursuing the treasure that we have set our eyes on.  Let us learn to trust the leader until we see our Lord Jesus Christ, it will all be worth the journey.  May we be encouraged.

Thoughts:

What are your eyes set on?

What hurdles are you dealing with in the journey?

Who is in your entourage?