Furhter up and further in

 

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Philippians 3:12-16 ESV

            The call of Christ to come further up and further in is truly wonderful in its extent: in every sense we might employ that word “extent”. Paul is writing after two missionary journeys, planting numerous churches, seeing multitudes come to faith, writing most of his epistles, training others, and sending them out. Still there is something more to attain. Even in prison and apparently nearer the end than the beginning he is striving towards the goal.

            Paul has an incredible focus on the goal. The faults and failings of yesterday will not hold him back. The circumstance of the moment will not halt his progress. He is assured of what lies ahead, and so he goes on. Not because of what he has done, or who he is. He strives because of who Christ was, and what He has done. Paul has surely tasted and seen that the Lord is good. Even at this point in his life Paul fully expects there is yet more goodness to be had from God.

            And Paul under inspiration from the Holy Spirit would have all Christians strive as he strives towards the goal which Christ has set before each of us.  None of us have arrived, and none of us has an excuse. Why settled only for a taste when a whole spring of living water is offered? Why only nimble at the bread of life? Why stop sort when Christ calls us further up and further in? Let us not lose focus.

Prayer

            Our Father in Heaven, may we ever strive towards the goal set before us in Christ. May we seek the fullness of life in all of life sanctified by the truth, Your word is truth. Fix our eyes upon Your glory, and our ears upon the upward call as we hasten on from grace to glory. With every step onward we would testify to our Lord, and prove the truth of His gospel and the power of His grace. Ah, awaken our hearts in gladness we are not yet arrived, but we are on the way and we shall arrive. To You Lord be all the glory. In the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Songs

Jesus I may cross have taken

I have decided by Michael Card

Nearer my God to thee

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