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OUR SPIRITUAL LACK
MONDAY, MAY 29
Philippians 3:12-14

Romans 7:14-25

 

“Not as though I had

already attained…”

 

OUR SPIRITUAL LACK
 
Paul knew that he was far from perfect. He still had struggles in the flesh, just like all of us. Lest his readers think that he had already reached his goals of fully knowing Christ, he told them that he certainly had not attained any measure of spiritual perfection, and like them, he was also on the journey of sanctification.
 
The word in the original translated as “attained” in verse 12 is different from the word used in verse 11. The word in verse 12 carries the idea of taking, or to lay hold of. The emphasis here is not so much on the destination or object one is taking, but on the process or action of taking or reaching for. What Paul was seeking to highlight was the process of attaining spiritual sanctification. He acknowledged that he was still far from his goal, and therefore needed to strive hard in his life to continue to grow in holiness.
 
Knowing that he was not yet perfect, he then had to “follow after.” The word in the original has this idea of running to pursue something with all of one’s might. Sometimes, it has the meaning of pursuing to persecute or harass. It describes a very intense and concerted effort to seek after a goal or target. In this context, Paul used this word to liken his motivation to that of an athlete. It is like how a runner is exerting all his might to race towards the finish line, or an athlete fighting hard to win an event. This is a common analogy that Paul used, for he often described how we are Christians running a race, and we have the responsibility to do our best. In order to do well in this race, we must forget those things which are behind (pride and vain glory) and reach forward, always focusing on Christ! This was what motivated Paul in continuing to strive hard and run the race before him. He knew that he was far from perfect, and therefore he must continue to work harder to live for Christ each day.
 
Like Paul, I am sure we will all acknowledge that we too are far from perfect and have many areas in our lives that we must improve on. Will we use this as our motivation to strive hard for the Lord?
 
THOUGHT: What areas in my life do I need to “follow after”?
PRAYER: May I have the humility to acknowledge my weaknesses, and the motivation to seek change, by God’s grace.

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