Creator, Father, King #302

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

EVERYONE HAS GOALS IN life.

• A teacher’s goal is to educate students.
• A police officer’s goal is to enforce the law and keep people safe.
• A CEO’s goal is to grow his business and make lots of money.
• A gnat’s goal is to—well, we’re not actually sure about this one. Maybe it’s to annoy people before being smashed on the back of someone’s sweaty neck?

Like we said, everyone has goals. But what is a Christian’s goal? The apostle Paul answers that in today’s verse.

What’s It Mean?

Philippians 3:14 is an extension of Paul’s thoughts from yesterday’s devotional topic: counting good deeds as worthless when it comes to our salvation and instead relying solely on the power of Christ.

Paul wanted to experience as much of that spiritual power as he could. But he realized this was a lifelong process, not a one-time experience. So he wrote these words in Philippians 3:12-14:

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 (ESV).

As he enjoyed doing, Paul is using athletic imagery here—specifically describing life as a long race. You can almost picture an Olympic runner leaning ahead as he pushes toward the finish line.

But what exactly is the goal Paul is referring to? It’s heavenly glory with the Lord—an eternal reward beyond human comprehension (Romans 8:18). Christians should always have an eye on this glorious finish line as we do God’s will on earth. This heavenly prize keeps us focused on the task at hand and motivates us when the race gets difficult.

Press on, dear believer. The runner who looks down while racing will lag behind, stumble, or veer off course. But the one who presses forward and keeps their eyes on the beautiful finish line will run a strong, true race.

Now What?

If you’re an athlete, post Philippians 3:12-14 somewhere you’ll see it often. If you’re not, send it to an athlete you know!

Did You Know?

Paul’s other athletic metaphors are found in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 2 Timothy 2:5; and 4:7-8.