Press On

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. [Philippians 3.12]

I am not there, but that doesn't mean I stop trying.

Life is full of challenges all by itself. And then, when a person submits to Christ, the challenges take an entirely further different form. A believer faces not only normal life, but also becomes aware of and is tasked with dealing with spiritual events.

With the help of the Holy Spirit - Christ in us, not only does the new believer find strength for the spiritual realm, but for the natural as well. The standard for that perfection is far beyond the Law - it is Christ. That standard is perfection.

I like the words "press on." Some days it is all I have to just "press on." Pressing on is an exercise of faith. Pressing on acknowledges that things are not as they should be, but purposefully believes resolve is coming. To "press on" is to remain faithful. Jesus was very clear about faithfulness:

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ [Matthew 25.21]

The revelation of what Jesus said here is twofold: first, there is the implication of "pressing on" - staying true to the purpose. But also, there is an implied lesson that the tasks before us are responsibilities. In other words, we are not working for ourselves, but for the calling of Jesus Christ.

Let's be very clear that the Gospel is not about "me" but rather about God's love and will for the earth. Too often we get caught up in our own lives and forget that we as believers exist to do the will of God toward others, namely to live and declare, "there is forgiveness of sins for all who repent." If we only look at the accounts of Jesus' life on earth, we will see and understand it is not about "me" at all but about others. Jesus did however say we would be taken care of if only we would get our priorities right (Matthew 6.33).

So, if we are instructed to press on, we can be sure there is good reason for it. We can be sure there will be days when it seems useless, hopeless, and even foolish. Our responsibility is not to determine our course of action based on present circumstances, but to remain faithful to our mission through whatever circumstance. Our responsibility is to "press on."

Father, help us - help me - to press on. Help me to remain true to YOUR calling and purpose on earth without regard for my own needs (that You said You would take care of).