“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, 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. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.” (Philippians 3:12-15 NIV)
Yesterday I briefly referred to Lance Armstrong’s seventh consecutive win in the Tour de France. What was it that steered him to victory? Was it his burning desire? Was it his physical or mental energy? Was it his sense of purpose or goal? Was it his great team with unified focus? Was it his ability and skill? Was it his consistent bold action?
Yes, all of these elements were present, BUT they were not enough to win! There was something more . . . an essential element that Armstrong need to cinch the win. His view of things was that element. At any point in the race or even prior to the race, if he had permitted his attitude to go negative, all the other elements above would not have been enough to win.
What gave Armstrong his winning edge was his positive attitude that lead all the other elements in a focused effort toward his goal. He let everything behind him — his past wins, his health issues, his failures, etc — fade away. He focused his attitude and every element on his effort to cross the finish line first. His view of things was the flame that kept desire alive and burning. His view of things was the key that unlocked all the other elements and kept them working together.
In this Christian race, just dreaming of heaven will not be sufficient to get there. Our whole being and lifestyle must be focused on that goal. Transforming our attitude is necessary. Relying on our spiritual laurels is not a safe bet. Considering that we already got it made is an error of judgment. Like Paul, we must forget what is behind and stretch ourselves toward what is ahead. Pressing toward the goal with renewed resolve and burning desire. Hearing the clarion call of Christ Jesus to be ready for his return. What a prize!
Dear Father, thank you for your call through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Empower us with the right view of things. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today with a view of things (attitude),