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THE CHRISTIAN’S GOAL
SATURDAY, JULY 23
Philippians 3:12-14

Psalm 130

 

“Remove from me
reproach and contempt;

for I have kept thy testimonies.”

 

THE CHRISTIAN’S GOAL
 
The Christian’s position in Christ is secure by God’s grace. We are pictured as being seated in heaven with Christ (Eph 2:5-6). But lest there be any sense of misunderstanding or self-satisfaction, we must remember that the Christian life is a daily struggle to fully realise our potential in Christ. We have not yet attained spiritual maturity. Our faith is not a group of theoretical teachings, but a reality exhibited by a changed life and we must daily pursue the goal of becoming more like Christ.
 
The Apostle Paul spoke of the longing to reach the goal that God had set before him (Phil 3:12). Like him, we too should want to come to a full realisation of all that our salvation means. We must not remain babes-in-Christ but grow to be mature believers who are an inspiration and an example to those who observe our lives. We are helped to move toward this goal by fellowship with the local church (Heb 10:23-25). It is in the church that we are under the guidance of pastors and teachers of God’s Word, and thus move toward maturity (Eph 4:11-13). Fellowship with, and in, the Bible-believing church plays an important part in reaching our Christian goal.
 
We are further helped in our growth by a personal study of the Scripture. God’s Word guides our way as we live from day to day (Ps 119:105). As we study the Word of God, we must also apply it to our daily lives, for it is this obedience which brings spiritual growth.
 
So we must press toward the goal which Christ has set before us (Phil 3:14). As we fellowship, study and practise Christian principles, the power of God moves us toward “the prize” (Phil 3:14). Then at the end of life’s way, we will be able to say with the Apostle of old: “…I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7b).
 
THOUGHT: What things aid me in my spiritual growth?
PRAYER: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:13). Father, forgive my reliance on my own strength. May I always rely on the strength of Christ.

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