The Christian race of progress and adventure
(Phil 3:7-14) (7) But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (9) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. (12) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (KJV)
The genuine Christian life is one of progress and adventure. It was this spirit which impelled Paul to follow the Macedonian call, turning from the relatively safe and certain opportunities of Asia Minor to face the unknown situations and risks incident to blazing a trail of Christian ministry into Europe. In this venture the great apostle was moved by the purpose expressed in this scripture, for this was characteristic of his hole life as a Christian. In this passage of scripture he borrows a scene from a familiar athletic experience of his day, depicting a runner competing in a race, his eyes riveted on the goal, his mind concentrated on the prize, stretching ever forward as he runs, with every resource of skill, strength, perseverance pouring into the effort to win the prize. “This,” says Paul in substance, “is my experience as a Christian, and my conception of the successful Christian life.”
We need to be reminded that if we are to succeed in living for Christ, we must have a purpose that is unwavering and all absorbing. We must refuse to be influenced or hindered either by the failures or successes of the past, or by the attitudes of others. We must focus our lives on “the prize” not the crowd around that is cheering or jeering, which , as Paul clearly states earlier in this chapter, is, “that I may win Christ,” further declaring in the same verse, “I count all things but loss for the excellency [because of the surpassing worth] of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” To the attainment of this matchless prize we must turn every capacity and resource of our lives and “press toward the mark” with all our strength, skill and energy. Such purpose, concentration and energy will bring victory and achievement today as it did for Paul in his day.
Please Pray With Me: Our dear gracious Heavenly Father, As we determine to run this race today looking for that prize in Christ Jesus, help us to shut out everything about us and just focus on you, the author and finisher of our faith. As we “press” today, help us not be influenced by anything other than the running to the finish line and the prize of this “race” we are in. We pray this in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
