PRESSING FORWARD Devotion 4 of 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. 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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12-14)

Unmatched Glory

The world, even the religious world, could not match the glory of the things Paul was shown by Christ. His insatiable appetite for the grace of God is what brought it to him. He received much because he wanted much! That is the reason for the inspired explanation of his own prodigious activities: "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Cor. 15:10).

Paul Is an Appointed Example

It is important to note that Paul is an appointed example for all believers. His excellence was not meant to be confined to himself, but provides a glimpse into the possibilities for every child of God. "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting" (1 Tim. 1:16).

The Future is Intriguing!

The future also held intrigue and attraction for the apostle. He saw something ahead that was worthy of the deepest commitment and most extensive labor. He perceived that obstacles lay between him and the goal, and he determined to "press" through them. His spiritual posture was bent toward what he saw, and he refused to be deterred from it. The penchant of the contemporary church with the "here and the now" betrays where it lives and what it sees. The irony of the situation is that methods and techniques are constantly being developed to keep people conscious of "this present evil world." We must continually remind ourselves that God is going to destroy the present heavens and earth (2 Pet. 3:10-12).

-- TOMORROW: WYHERE WE HAVE COME --