Focusing on What's Ahead

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:12-14

The above phrase, found in the middle of chapter 3, serves not only as an exhortation, but an inspiration and a reminder of how we should lives our lives and where our focus should be. The moment of our salvation is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey, one that we should strain for all of our lives.

It's inspiring to hear Paul talk about this. Paul, a great teacher and preacher near the end of his ministry and his life, talks about not having yet attained his goal. It's something he will strive for until he reaches the prize to which God has called him heavenward. He recognized that he was on a journey that he would he would continue all his days, and he had to fight daily to stay on that path.

The same is true for us. There is a tendency to see the moment of conversion as the end. We've achieved all we need to achieve and we've finished the race. But that's merely the start of a new race. Each day we need to strive to stay on that path, to continue to grow, and to strive for all that Christ has for us.

The metaphor of a runner is a beautiful one; especially thinking about the marathon. Even when we're tired and weary; when we're pushed to our limits; when we're ready to quit; we must push forward, "straining toward what is ahead," to reach for the prize that Jesus Christ has laid out for us. Paul knew that, and when we read this passage we can't help but be inspired to follow that path too.