“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV).
Like an olympic runner stretching for the finish line, the apostle Paul “strained forward” toward the “goal” of becoming like Christ. He didn’t let his past determine his future, nor did he let the troubles of the present distract or slow him down, but “pressed on” toward the goal of Christ Jesus. His ultimate aim was to grow in spiritual maturity, so that Christ was fully formed in him.
Some live in the past, living a life of regret or remembering past glories or failures. Others live as dreamers, always searching for the gold at the end of some distant rainbow. Many aimlessly wander through life like sheep without a shepherd. But Paul had a singular focus. He didn’t say, “These 20 things I dabble at,” but this “one thing I do.” His aim was Christlikeness. He desired to be like Christ in every way.
Have you made Jesus the object of your faith, the one you worship and follow, your all in all? Are you growing in spiritual maturity, making Christlikeness your ultimate life’s goal?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we want to say with Paul, this one thing I do. We want to grow in Christlikeness. Yet we know that our pursuit depends on Your grace and power. We therefore yield ourselves afresh to You this day. Mold us and make us more and more every day like Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.