Walk Like Jesus – Press On Toward the Goal!

Philippians 3:13-14

¹³ 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, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Last Sunday – during the sermon – I asked if anyone was perfect. If anyone was perfect they were asked to raise their hand. It was not a surprise to me that no one lifted a hand – not even one – because – on our own – we are nowhere near perfect. Our sin nature – although overcome by the spiritual nature we put on in Christ – still rears its ugly head from time to time in our lives. Even though we want to be obedient to God – we often fail. We do what we do not want to do and do not do what we want to do (so says Paul in Romans 7:15).

During the 21-Day Prayer/Fast – our imperfect nature – or should I say my imperfect nature – surfaced a number of times. I struggled at times with my food intake and at times with my social media fast. It was not easy – and yet I knew what I should be doing and what I should not be doing. The same can be said as I strive to lose more weight – I know what not to eat – yet at times I seem to yearn for just what I shouldn’t have for sure. I know I am alone in this area!

Often when reading the Word of God (the Bible) – or listening to sermons – or even preparing sermons or Bible studies – I am hit over the head with my sinfulness. I am reminded – often – that I am weak and that I am sinful – that on my own I am a fallen person. It is so bad at times that I could easily feel guilty and depressed because of my sins and failures – and at times I have felt that way. Often the Word of God steps all over my toes – I mean – in my imperfect state.

God’s grace is amazing. We’re saved by grace – made whole by grace – forgiven of our sins by grace – grace – this unmerited favor. Ephesians 2:8 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. It is grace that allows us – imperfect people – into the presence of a perfect God. God knows our hearts and minds. Psalm 139:23–24 – ²³ Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. ²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Today’s passage reminds us that we are to press on – always – even more as today unfolds. Grace covers our failures – our sins – but – on one hand – we are not to count on grace – but strive to follow after Christ with all we have! Philippians 3:13-14 – ¹³ 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, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Too often folks fall into one trap or the other – depressed and guilty because of our sin or so relying on grace that we fail to strive to walk with Jesus. We are called to walk as Christ did – to do all that we are able to do – as feeble as that might be at times – and count on grace for the times we fail. It is – at times – a fine line – and one that theologians have tried to walk or obliterate over the centuries. Walk Like Jesus – Press On Toward the Goal – and trust in grace to allow us into God’s presence!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.