“. . . I have suffered the loss of all things. . . that I may gain Christ and . . . that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection . . . . Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on . . . 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 3:8-14).
The question that we must face is whether this is just another slogan or our life’s pursuit.
The Apostle Paul tells us that there is an Upward Call of God in Christ Jesus which those who are mature will pursue. The mature will have a mindset to ardently pursue this heavenly calling. The Upward Call (Heavenly Call) requires that we hold on to what we’ve already attained in Christ (arrived at) while we continue our pursuit of the highest to which He has called us.
Paul speaks of an experiential knowledge of Christ which will supply him (and us) with the ability to accomplish what he desires “. . .that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection. . . .” The apostle seeks a special reward in the resurrection. It is the prize of the Upward Call of God in Christ Jesus. He says, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press (pursue) on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3: 12). He has not laid hold or gained possession of his pursuit (to be perfected). At this point in the life of the aged Apostle, is recognition that he has not reached his goal of Christian perfection. There is more work of God in his soul. Therefore he says, “I press (pursue) on . . . forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press (pursue) toward the goal for the prize of the Upward Call of God in Christ Jesus.”
What are the goals you have for your Christian life? Do you want to be just an average Christian? If not, you must also “. . . Run to receive the prize. Run in such a way that you may obtain it . . . for everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection. . .” (1 Corinthians 9: 24-27).
As we move forward into the Upward Call of God in Christ Jesus, let’s forget all the failures of the past and look forward to those things that are ahead.
1 comments:
Reading this post is confirmation that I was about to make a mistake in enrolling in some more classes that I don't need at this time. I knew I was beginning to get overwhelmed when I had made a decision to not attend the 10:30 a.m., then when I told Brother Henry I wasn't going to be at Prayer on Tuesday and Thursday once a month because of school. Boy he had a look, that made it evident that maybe I shouldn't. I know without a doubt God wants me to be committed to His church and I shall. The other selfish ambitions will just have to wait until God makes the path absolutely clear. I need to stay focused and commit to my heavenly call which is far better. Being bogged down with worldly studies can take a toll on the things of God. So, I must be content in the calling He has already placed me in. To be a teacher and minister to our children with love and patience and ensure they receive the very best of all my talents that they may receive a quality education. Lastly, to be active involved in the ministries God has placed me in at the church Prayer, Greeter, and Prison and whatever else I am told to do. Also, continue the work of an Evangelist and win souls for the Kingdom of God.
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