The Eternal Prize
Philippians 3:10-14
“I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings . . . Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
What motivates you to persevere in your faith?
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul uses the illustration of an athlete to describe our Christian journey. The start of the race is our salvation: when we first accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The track we run on is God’s will for our life. His words give us the instruction and direction we need. As we surrender and submit to his will, we will advance to spiritual maturity. Our race requires diligence, obedience, and perseverance. All our discipline is for one purpose: to attain the eternal prize – to live in heaven with Jesus. Therefore, our goal is to cross the finish line.
Living a Christ-committed life is a challenge. Jesus warned of the trials we will face in the world. Though we experience adversity, we must not lose heart. The Apostle Paul encouraged us not to look behind. The past will prevent us from moving forward; complacency can hold us in bondage. We must forge ahead and remain purposeful.
No matter where we are in this race, let us pick up the pace and continue to pursue that prize. Every step forward is closer to the finish line.
Are you standing on the sidelines?
What is holding you back from running your race?
Father God, help me to press forward and not stay locked in the past. Give me the endurance to keep my eyes fixed on you. I pray that you remove all obstacles that hold me back. Please help me not to give up as I have done in the past. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture References:
Psalm 27:4; Luke 9:62; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 6:1; Hebrews 12:1-2
