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ONWARD AND UPWARDS!
FRIDAY, JUNE 2
Philippians 3:13-14

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

 

“…reaching forth unto

those things which are before…”

 

ONWARD AND UPWARDS!
 
As Paul put his past behind him, his single-minded focus was to keep pressing ahead. His eyes were fixed on the cross of Christ, heart set on achieving the goal that Christ had called him to. Instead of dwelling on the past, he looked forward to the “things which are before” (Phil 3:13), to this new life in Christ that he had, and kept pressing toward the mark.
 
The word translated as “press” in Philippians 3:14 is the same word as “follow after” in verse 12 – describing the earnest pursuit that he was engaged in. He was running toward the mark – the end point that was set before him. It was continually in his mind’s eye as he lived his Christian life. He refused to take his eye off the prize, to be distracted by the things of the world that surrounded him.
 
As a runner fixes his eye on the finishing line, we too ought to strive to fix our eyes on “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14). What is this prize? It is the reward that we can look forward to as the children of God. It is the complete fruition of our status as born-again believers, or what we have been “apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:12) for – eternity in heaven with God! This is the heavenly calling every believer is running towards. Therefore, in this life, we set our affections on things above and not on things of the earth. God will grant us the desire to run towards Him and away from the things of the world. We will care far more for our spiritual ambitions and work towards them, instead of vainly trying to fulfil the worldly ambitions we once held so dearly to. We will run the race with patience, looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:1-2).
 
This is a race that we shall never complete. It is finished only when we are called home or the Lord returns. As long as we have strength we are running, pressing, pursuing, striving, fighting. Yes, it can be tiring, and yes, there will be times we feel like giving up. However, we must always keep in mind the goal and the motivation of our spiritual ambitions and continue onward and upwards for the Lord!
 
THOUGHT: What happens if a Christian decides to stop running?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou grant me the strength and perseverance to keep on pressing toward the mark!

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