“Brethren, I do
not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I
press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:13-14 NKJ)
not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I
press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:13-14 NKJ)
In 1978, I was
chosen to enter my employer’s management training program. There were three
levels of progressive training, with thorough training at each level. It was a
growth strategy with the goal that each graduating trainee would establish and
manage a new office in a city where the company had no offices.
chosen to enter my employer’s management training program. There were three
levels of progressive training, with thorough training at each level. It was a
growth strategy with the goal that each graduating trainee would establish and
manage a new office in a city where the company had no offices.
Trainees were
expected to make personal sacrifices. We were never to think we had finally
arrived and knew everything. Literally, we were always being taught and could,
at any moment, be summoned to a training site for specific training. The
company’s attitude was that we should be willing to give up everything to learn
the job for which we had been chosen.
expected to make personal sacrifices. We were never to think we had finally
arrived and knew everything. Literally, we were always being taught and could,
at any moment, be summoned to a training site for specific training. The
company’s attitude was that we should be willing to give up everything to learn
the job for which we had been chosen.
The Apostle Paul
displays this example to us as well. Give up everything that we have relied on
or think valuable, in order to know Christ. This is a concept worthy of careful
thought. In my ordinary, physical life, I set goals. In addition, I sacrifice as
needed in order to achieve those goals. Why should my spiritual life be any
different?
displays this example to us as well. Give up everything that we have relied on
or think valuable, in order to know Christ. This is a concept worthy of careful
thought. In my ordinary, physical life, I set goals. In addition, I sacrifice as
needed in order to achieve those goals. Why should my spiritual life be any
different?
In effect, I weigh
the value of my present state against the value of growing in the Lord. In my
consideration, I decide what is “worthless” in comparison to knowing
Christ. This issue is critical to my spiritual goal.
the value of my present state against the value of growing in the Lord. In my
consideration, I decide what is “worthless” in comparison to knowing
Christ. This issue is critical to my spiritual goal.
Yet, this is no mere
goal setting exercise. It is not merely experiencing what it is like to be in
Christ’s shoes. Instead, I want his righteousness. I want to be conformed into
his image. I want to achieve the purpose for which he has chosen me. I expect
sacrifice and sufferings in this life, but it is worth everything to be
resurrected with him. And, no matter what, that is all that truly matters!
goal setting exercise. It is not merely experiencing what it is like to be in
Christ’s shoes. Instead, I want his righteousness. I want to be conformed into
his image. I want to achieve the purpose for which he has chosen me. I expect
sacrifice and sufferings in this life, but it is worth everything to be
resurrected with him. And, no matter what, that is all that truly matters!
Dear Father, thank
you for Christ who died for me that I might live for his glory. Empower me to
press toward the goal for which he has chosen me. I pray this in the name of
Jesus. AMEN
you for Christ who died for me that I might live for his glory. Empower me to
press toward the goal for which he has chosen me. I pray this in the name of
Jesus. AMEN
Press toward the
goal today,
goal today,