THIS ONE THING or
THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE MINDSET

" . . . 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 3:7-16)

Devotion 8 of 13

WE ARE NOT THERE YET

"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" (Phil 3:12).

Although Paul had made remarkable progress, and was nearing the close of his life, he was not yet "perfect." This expression expands on his abandonment of all competing pursuits to "win Christ." He has just expressed a frame of mind that is exceedingly rare: counting everything loss to know Christ, the fellowship of His sufferings, and the power of His resurrection (3:10). However, as virtuous as that attitude is, it is not the consummate Kingdom experience. It is possible for people to view a sacrificial life and earnest quest for unfettered fellowship with Christ as an end of itself but it is not. Rather, it is the means to the appointed end.

When Paul says he has not obtained "IT," he means the resurrection of the dead. He views that as the entrance into the heavenly inheritance. Until then, it is not possible to "obtain" everything to which we have been appointed. At best, we but touch the border of what God has prepared for those who love Him. Yet, even that cannot be achieved without hearty effort.

The magnitude of salvation is seen in these verses, Even though Paul sought nothing but Christ, engaged in no aggressive pursuit except to know Him, and gave up all hindrances to that pursuit, he had not "obtained" or been "made perfect." Those were qualifying frames of mind, and not the attainment itself. They are a necessary prelude to being blessed in this world, and obtaining the world to come. Still, they are exceedingly rare in our time.

To "apprehend," or "lay hold" of something is to have a grip upon it that cannot be broken. Until the resurrection, the blessing can be lost, and the prize forfeited. Even Paul did not have such a firm grasp on eternal life he could relinquish his fervent quest. He "pressed on," aggressively pushing through life, eager to appropriate that to which he had been called. The KJV uses the expression "follow after," which is more precise. It means what was sought was, in a very real sense, yet ahead of him. Like the cloud in the wilderness, the promised inheritance is held before us, and we must pursue it.

This is the same spirit expressed by the sweet Psalmist of Israel. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (Psa 42:1-2).

There is a reason why we are brought into Christ. Notice, Paul refers to Christ "apprehending," or "laying hold" of him. Christ "laid hold" on Paul on the Damascus Road. To be sure, He did it to make him an Apostle (Acts 26:16 18) sending him to the far corners of the earth. But there is more than this! There is the day of judgment in which believers will participate (1 Cor 6:1-2), the world to come which they will govern (Heb 2:5-6), and a reign with Jesus (2 Tim 2:12). Paul knew if he lost sight of that, he would never be able to fulfill his commission in this world. Elsewhere, the Spirit affirms God has "prepared" us for a "purpose" that will begin at the resurrection (2 Cor 5:5). Until then, we have not obtained, are not perfected, and have not apprehended, or taken hold, of our inheritance, for which Christ has taken hold on us.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' Christ I ask for strength to finally lay hold on that for which Jesus has laid hold on me.

-- Tomorrow: REACHING FORWARD TO WHAT LIES AHEAD --