Deeper Life #363

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.

—Philippians 3:13

PAUL SOUNDS A NOTE OF challenge in Philippians 3:13–14: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

This seals forever the most subtle of all heresies, the idea of stagnation in our spiritual life. It cannot be too often repeated that we can do absolutely nothing for our soul’s salvation or entire sanctification; these are the gifts of God through the atonement. But we must do everything afterwards with sublime courage. We have to remember Whose we are and Whom we serve.

Christ calls us to carry the sublime dignity of the children of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse world. To that end, we may always strive for greater maturity and godliness.

Prayer Thought: Growth in grace is my aim and aspiration. By Your grace, Lord Jesus, help me to mature.

SUGGESTED READING: Philippians 3:7–21