Press Toward the Goal

August 31

The Apostle Paul is arguably the most dedicated espouser of the truth of the Living Christ who has ever walked the earth. That is not to negate the amazing outreach of a man like Billy Graham who has probably touched more people for the Kingdom of Christ than anyone else who’s ever lived. However, given the constraints under which Paul labored, his effort was more intense.

Paul had striven for excellence in his own life. His adherence to the law of God was without peer. He was known among the religious individuals with whom he practiced the Jewish faith as “a Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5). Yet, when he came to know Christ as Savior and Lord, none of his accomplishments had merit in his eyes.

He went on to say in this same chapter (vs.7), “What things were gain to me, those I count as loss for Christ.” In having met the risen Savior, Paul realized that there was nothing any mortal man could do or be that in any way equated to the excellence of the finished work Jesus had done in mortal man’s behalf. With this realization, Paul knew he could not but spend himself in the endeavor of sharing that truth.

Paul did not count himself to have yet taken hold of the fullness of this great truth, but he vowed to steadfastly endeavor to attain it. In Philippians 3:13, 14 he states it thusly, “Forgetting what is behind (his successes at maintaining the law on his own), I press on toward the goal of winning the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” May we emulate him in this incomparable task.