PRESSING FORWARD Devotion 11 of 11

"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)

A Kingdom At Hand

The reason for this condition is apparent. John preached that the kingdom of heaven was "at hand"--it was near, and, therefore, accessible. It is even more attainable now, and those that perceive this to be the case, will pay whatever price is required to obtain it. The rich young ruler did not see this truth, and thus went on his way with great sorrow (Matt. 19:21-22). He did not see the things of God to be of greater value than earthly riches. How tragic that he does not stand alone in this benighted state!

Organizational Stimulants

The prolific development and distribution of techniques designed to stimulate spiritual activity confirms the absence of a pressing spirit in the professed church. Too often religious activity is nothing more than a simulation of life rather than evidence of life itself. Where an earnest quest for the "mark" is not found, conviction of its reality does not exist. There is no organization stimulant that can compensate for such an absence.

A Time of Reaping

The promise of spiritual harvest is given to those that do not become "weary" in their endeavor to obtain it. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9). This simply means that there are inhibitive influences all about us. Satan has not reconciled himself to our salvation. His efforts to thwart it are incessant. The pressing, violent spirit confronts his initiative with vigor. The individual that stretches toward the "mark" refuses to be dissuaded by our adversary!

CONCLUSION

The reality of the goal stimulates the energetic pursuit of the same. Only the individual that is convinced of the "prize" will "press" to obtain it. That is the "manner" of the kingdom! Jesus has gained the access to glory for us. He now encourages us to come to it, pressing through every obstacle, and overcoming every hinderance. How appropriate is the exhortation of Scripture. We all do well to take it seriously. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2). How diligent the child of God must be in this matter! The race to glory is too long, and the adversary is too strong to allow for indifference of casualness. We will reap "in due season" is we do not faint. However--and be sure you know it--there is not the slightest chance of winning the race is we faint along the way. An unusual degree of effort is required to fulfill this admonition. Laying aside "every weight" and besetting sin cannot be accomplished casually. "Looking unto Jesus" calls for intense concentration. Satan has filled our world with dibilitating distractions and interests. Running the race will call for vigorous and sustained effort on your part -- but it will be richly rewarded! RUN! PRESS!

-- TOMORROW, New Series: THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT --