Philippians 3:12-16
New International Version
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, 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, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Following Paul’s Example 15 All of us, then, 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. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Saturday - October 23
“Ah! Finally! See, pastor! Paul says that we must strive towards a future goal!” Sorry. He is not demanding strenuous effort to gain salvation. He said: “Christ Jesus has made me His own.” That is the work of Jesus; not Paul, me, you or anyone else. What is Paul striving for? He is like a young man who is head over heels with excitement for his wedding day. He is “striving” for that moment when he will be with his bride, face to face, for the rest of their lives. He is constantly blown away and amazed that SHE chose and loves HIM! WOW! How can this be?! Because he is already loved, he forgets what is behind and looks forward to what will be and gives himself away in love.