In Philippians 2:12-16 Paul encourages the church in Philippi to forget what is behind and press on toward the goal. Throughout my life these verses have been an inspiration and a reminder to me that I am not stumbling around in this life, but am called to press on.
When life gets tough, I press on. When I sin, I repent and press on. When I struggle with questions of God’s will, I pray and press on. The key to pressing on is not found in the act itself, but in what I press on to. Where am I heading? We are called to press on towards the prize of everlasting life with our Creator. We press on with heaven in our sights longing for the day that we will be in God’s presence singing his praises for eternity. We press on and look to him to make all things new.
I am always amazed that when my priorities are earthly priorities, such as gathering possessions or wealth and protecting it, I lose sight of the joy I have in Christ and life falls apart. But when I fix my eyes on Jesus, the things of the world are of less importance and my joy is found in Him.
Dear Lord, let us fix our eyes on you as we walk in the steps you have laid out for us. You’ve given each of us a mission and a mission field. Give us peace as we press on toward the prize you won for us on the cross.
Amen